i had to do some gelcote repairs. They turned out ok but i had to sand everythign flush. I worked my way up to 1200 grit wet sanding should I go to 1600 or is 1200 enough before i go to compound?

1500 then compound, At least thats what I do on my red.

I've stopped at 800 and used a white stick on a cotton wheel. Took some leaning on it, but turned out well. I'd think 1200 would be okay, but if you got your hands on some 1600 or 2000, it ain't gonna hurt it any..

Try buffing now. You can always go back with the 2000 later if needed

any recomendations on compounds???

to be hinest its been at least 2 years sicne i had to wetsand. I';m not really a big fan of sanding fiberglass i always feel liek I am doign more damage than good. It looks very dull and crappy from eth sanding granet di got all eth miny gouges from eth 220 grit out but i still don;t like teh dull crappy lookgin finish. As i recall the compiound and then the wax makes it look normal and shiny again right???

The finer the grit, the easier the compounding.
If it's too rough you'll work your a$$ off trying to compound it.

sand to 1200-1500 then use a mild rubbing compound, you can use a buffer or alot of elbow grease, once you buff area to a gloss and have removed the sanding scratches switch over to a new polish pad and polish compound this will remove the fine scratches from the rubbing compound and bring your repaired area to a higher luster. once you have completed the polishing steps you should not see any fine scratches in the finish and have a high luster to your repair and surrounding area.

later

1000-1500 wet sand
micro cut compound with a buffer, wool pad
polish with buffer with foam pad
hand wax
Pimp it
In that order

Martin, how is your boat coming along? June 21 fireworks at Alum!

Its done! are you coming to kelley's this weekend.