Gel coat is the outer layer of fiberglass. Its structural value is not significant. However, it gives the product its shine and color. In addition, it offers protection to the hull. Read on to know more on how to restore faded fiberglass.
Over time, the conditions the product is exposed to cause the outer layer to fade. The resulting product looks chalky and also dull. Nevertheless, this situation can be quickly fixed. You should start the restoration process by cleaning the surface. If you can get hot water then you should use it in this process. A sponge for scrubbing is also needed. Ensure you have a detergent. Some of them are corrosive and you ought to use protective gear.
Mildew can cause a lot of damage. However, it is not easy to eliminate it. Thus, you should pour some bleach on it. The stubborn stains can be done away with by directly applying the concentrated cleaner on them. Careful rinsing is emphasized to remove all traces of the cleaning detergent. The surface should be dried afterwards.
Ensure there are no traces of oil before proceeding. Cleaning alone cannot guarantee this. That is why you need to get more serious oil removers. They include acetone and MEK. Make sure there are several cotton cloths to use in removing the oil. After accomplishing this you can wax the fiberglass. This is an essential step which helps in prolonging the life of the product.
The procedure of applying wax differs depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, you have to read the instructions given. Nevertheless, a foam pad or cloth is used in applying the wax. Proceed in circular motions. After the wax has dried, you should buff the excess using a soft piece of cloth.
Polishing comes next after waxing. An abrasive is required. Sandpaper can be utilized but it has to be fine. All pitted areas should be leveled. You cannot accomplish this by applying paint or wax coats. To make the work easier and systematic, divide the surface into sections. You must keep on polishing until you can see your clear reflection on the fiberglass. Thereafter, apply a single coat of wax to protect the surface. Some polishing kits have wax.
Sometimes the product is worn significantly. In such a case, even polishing will not give back its shine. You will have to use a very strong abrasive during the scrubbing. You should remove any remaining wax on the surface before you begin polishing it. It can make the compound appear uneven. While clearing the wax, do not move up and down but rather on a straight line. Toluene or a de-waxing solution should be utilized.
A restorer should be applied last. There are a lot of them meaning you will not have a difficult time shopping for one. They work almost the same as wax. Nonetheless, buffing is recommended after the restorer has being applied. You will be impressed with the results. However, remember that the item will not retain the new look forever. However, it will last for some time if you take care of it well.
Over time, the conditions the product is exposed to cause the outer layer to fade. The resulting product looks chalky and also dull. Nevertheless, this situation can be quickly fixed. You should start the restoration process by cleaning the surface. If you can get hot water then you should use it in this process. A sponge for scrubbing is also needed. Ensure you have a detergent. Some of them are corrosive and you ought to use protective gear.
Mildew can cause a lot of damage. However, it is not easy to eliminate it. Thus, you should pour some bleach on it. The stubborn stains can be done away with by directly applying the concentrated cleaner on them. Careful rinsing is emphasized to remove all traces of the cleaning detergent. The surface should be dried afterwards.
Ensure there are no traces of oil before proceeding. Cleaning alone cannot guarantee this. That is why you need to get more serious oil removers. They include acetone and MEK. Make sure there are several cotton cloths to use in removing the oil. After accomplishing this you can wax the fiberglass. This is an essential step which helps in prolonging the life of the product.
The procedure of applying wax differs depending on the manufacturer. Therefore, you have to read the instructions given. Nevertheless, a foam pad or cloth is used in applying the wax. Proceed in circular motions. After the wax has dried, you should buff the excess using a soft piece of cloth.
Polishing comes next after waxing. An abrasive is required. Sandpaper can be utilized but it has to be fine. All pitted areas should be leveled. You cannot accomplish this by applying paint or wax coats. To make the work easier and systematic, divide the surface into sections. You must keep on polishing until you can see your clear reflection on the fiberglass. Thereafter, apply a single coat of wax to protect the surface. Some polishing kits have wax.
Sometimes the product is worn significantly. In such a case, even polishing will not give back its shine. You will have to use a very strong abrasive during the scrubbing. You should remove any remaining wax on the surface before you begin polishing it. It can make the compound appear uneven. While clearing the wax, do not move up and down but rather on a straight line. Toluene or a de-waxing solution should be utilized.
A restorer should be applied last. There are a lot of them meaning you will not have a difficult time shopping for one. They work almost the same as wax. Nonetheless, buffing is recommended after the restorer has being applied. You will be impressed with the results. However, remember that the item will not retain the new look forever. However, it will last for some time if you take care of it well.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about how to restore faded fiberglass, pay a visit to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://www.leprechaunmagic.com now.
EmoticonEmoticon