Question · Boat Detailing
What is gelcoat oxidation and can it be fixed?
Oxidation is UV breaking down the gelcoat surface into a chalky, faded layer. Light and moderate oxidation buffs out with compounding. Heavy oxidation that has gone porous can be improved a lot, but a full mirror finish may take wet sanding.
Gelcoat has no clear coat over it, so the pigment itself takes the UV hit. The first sign is losing gloss, then the surface turns chalky enough to leave residue on your hand. NC sun does this to an uncovered boat in a few seasons.
On the job we compound a test section first, because the result tells the truth about what full restoration will achieve. Most oxidized hulls we see come back to a strong gloss with machine compounding followed by polish and a marine-grade sealant. The sealant step is not optional in our process: freshly compounded gelcoat is porous and will re-oxidize fast if it goes back into the sun unprotected.
This question is part of our Boat Detailing service. See the full service overview, what's included, and how to schedule a walk-around.
WHEN THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT CALL
When to pick something else.
If the gelcoat is cracked through or the color is worn to the laminate, that is a gelcoat repair job for a fiberglass shop, not a detail.
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