Wet sanding

[pol98xc6]

I was wondering how the process of wet sanding works, cost and how long it will last?
thanks

[glassdave]

are you refering to wetsanding a gel finish?

[pol98xc6]

yes its a gel coat. I have a red boat and I have some fading on top.

[baywatch]

If it is just fading I would try an oxidation remover first.

I am by no means an expert but I just spent 45 hours wet sanding my apache because the previous owner had some crazy clear sealant/sealer that he put on it and it was all peeling off and I wanted to get her as close to shiny gel as possible.

My technique was first I used 600grit, then 1,000 and then 2,000. I then used 3ms heaving cutting buffing compound (with a wool cutting pad) with my variable speed dewalt polisher at about 1200 rpms, followed by the 3m swirl remover with the foam buffing pad. Lastly I used a good wax and did two coats. The key for me was to use lots of water, both wetting the surface (I used a pump style 3 gallon spray bottle like you use to spray bug killer) for spraying the surface, and then two bucket of clean water to keep diping my paper into. Then follow up with the hose often. Also make sure to get on of those 3m sanding blocks to hold your paper it will allow you to remove a consistant amount of material and will help hold off the fatigue that will develop in your hands.

I wish I would have taken before pictures, but here is an after picture (notice the leaves reflecting on the boats surface).

Like I said I am not a glass guy or anything, but that approach worked for me.

[baywatch]

Sorry about the typo in that message. I was saying you should follow up often with the hose. I was then trying to say that a 3m sanding block will make the process easier for you.

Good luck.

[pol98xc6]

Its a 2005 baja 23 outlaw in solid red. I bought the boat left over in 2006 and it must have set out in the sun for 2 years because there is a distinct line around the cockpit of the boat where the cover is!