Finishing new Gelcoat

[RKrough]

I have been getting conflicting information from the local autobody supply places on compounding and buffing gelcoat The locals sell 3m Imperial (306044) which by it's description sounds like it should work well. On pads I'm being told by one to use foam, another to use wool, and yet another says use a terrycloth pad.

At this point I have rolled two coats of gelcoat and have wet sanded down to 1200.

What are you guys using for compound and how are you applying it?

 

[jrg]

Wool is for cutting compounds and foam is for polishing. First pass - use the wool with your Imperial Compound. Make a second pass with the foam egg-crate pad and some FinesseIt by 3m. Works for me!

 

[RKrough]

Thanks for the reply. Do you think a quart of the Imperial might be enough for a 19' skiff above the water line?

 

[jrg]

A little imperial goes a long way - that should be enough. The key is keeping your wool pad clean by scraping it off periodically with a piece of wood or plastic or something. I also wash the pad out with warm water about halfway on each side of the boat. Spin it dry with the buffer. Last tip - keep the buffer moving - don't stop in one place - EVER!

jrg

 

[RKrough]

Thanks a lot for the info and advise, I'll give it go this week.