Hey Guys, approx 4 yrs ago I had my boat re-gelled (white) I have had it stored under cover and inside for the last 2 yrs. When I pulled the cover off the other day I notice it yellowing in the low spots of the "orange peel".

I searched thru the threads and learned what I could.

I can't wax it out. I can't lightly buff it out. I'm wondering if it is old wax that turned over the years.

I know it It will come off with acetone. (i tried it in a test area) I can see the yellow "stuff " come off in the rag and of course the gel is now supper flat. I re waxed and it seemed to be the fix.

question,...... If I have a large area to deal with what is the best way to handle it. I would think that wiping the gel all over with acetone can't be good for it. It almost seemed that the acetone might make the gel tacky or slightly gummy once it strips it.

I need some professional advice please.

Thanks
Tom

Wiping it down with acetone won't hurt the gel but will need to be re waxed where you use it.

Most boat OEM's will clean their molds which are made from fiberglass with either Acetone or a blend of Toluene and MEK. Acetone will should not hurt the gel coat specially as it is 4 yrs old.

As Brandon mentioned you will need to re wax the surface as it is stripped clean.

You could also try a product called wax and grease remover. A lot of body shops prep with it before painting. I use acetone on the cruiser though if I get a little smudge from a dock rub rail. Just rewax.

Thanks guys. I guess the yellow stuff and oxidation or whatever was wiping off on the rag concerned me. It seems to take the shine off and make the gel look like white primer. Seriously flat and very susceptible to staining or marring. I was afraid it was attacking the gel. It seems a bit harsh to wipe large areas of the boat down with acetone.

I was told that if there was some funky mixing or thinning of my gel when it was sprayed / applied it could end up having issues if acetone was introduced in an application like this ( rubbing it on with a rag to remove unwanted stains or whatever.)