I'm going to be doing a customer's 25ft sailboat, and he said that the fiberglass is dusty? He says that when he gets on, its a powdery chalk like dust that gets on his feet and what not. Anybody have any ideas on how to take care of this, or treat this? Any advice whatsoever is appreciated.
Doing a Sailboat, dusty fiberglass?
- Thread starter RedFC
- Start date
RTexasF
Pay Attention Boy...
It's just oxidation so attack it the same way you would a car. Plan on taking plenty of pads with you because you'll need them. Polish away the oxidation/chalkiness and then seal or wax whichever you prefer.
imported_themightytimmah
New member
It's gelcoat oxidation, can be a real pain in the ***. Attack it with a wool pad and a fairly aggressive product - I like Meguiar's #49 oxidation remover on a wool pad followed by #67 one-step on an orange foam pad. Do not bother using car products on it, even HTEC will barely crack it. I wouldn't bid this job without a rotary, and keep a bucket full of water and a little bit of APC to soak the pads in.
imported_mirrorfinishman
New member
Using the correct products you will be able to polish away the oxidation that is on the surface. The problem is that usually the oxidation is coming from within the fiberglass gelcoat, much the same as rust comes from within the metal.
What this means is that although you may get the surface to look good, the gloss will usually not last very long. You can expect dullness from the oxidation to begin to re-appear within a few weeks and sometimes a few days, depending on the amount of exposure to the UV rays of the sun.
The key to working with fiberglass is making sure that the boat has been properly maintained from the beginning, when the boat is new. Once the oxidation process begins, it is in most cases way to late to do anything to the surface that will last very long.
In most cases you would be smart to walk away from any boat that has severe oxidation due to a lack of proper care and maintenance.
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What this means is that although you may get the surface to look good, the gloss will usually not last very long. You can expect dullness from the oxidation to begin to re-appear within a few weeks and sometimes a few days, depending on the amount of exposure to the UV rays of the sun.
The key to working with fiberglass is making sure that the boat has been properly maintained from the beginning, when the boat is new. Once the oxidation process begins, it is in most cases way to late to do anything to the surface that will last very long.
In most cases you would be smart to walk away from any boat that has severe oxidation due to a lack of proper care and maintenance.
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imported_doctordon
New member
You gotta watch out for small boats; they're often made for a price and their Gelcoat is often porous and thin. If this was a 40' Hikckley or a Bertram, then I'd say; "You lucky bugger."
...but, unless you need cash real bad or are moving next week, I'd avoid it for many of the reasons Mirrorman said. I used to be in the business.
j i m
...but, unless you need cash real bad or are moving next week, I'd avoid it for many of the reasons Mirrorman said. I used to be in the business.
j i m
Envious Eric
New member
or be up front with the owner and let him know this and see if he wants it done still....that way you dont have to walk away and refuse business...honesty is better than nothing...heck it might even get you his future boats if he sells this one...you never know, but I wouldnt just walk away from it...at least explain why