pbar34 wrote:
rockintom wrote:
Not trying to rain on your parade cause the shine does comeback and looks nice. But when gelcoat/fiberglass get oxidized it become very porous and it doesn't stay protected (wax not staying on) very long and in short order the wax is gone and the whole process starts all over. My point is you have to keep the wax on it to retain the shine. Like once a month depending on the elements. Just my experience. rockin'
He's right but it is manageable if you keep up on the cleaning/polishing and waxing. I've taken several oxidized gelcoat finishes and got them back to a shining luster. They will fade back more quickly due to the previous oxidation/porous surface but it's not that bad. If you're ambitious, a 1000 grit wet sandpaper, followed by 1500 (wet) then a compound/polish and wax will keep it looking great for years - if you keep up on the cleaning and waxing.
Good luck,
Phil
Phil,
I did exactly what you did with the wet sanding...only used 1500 and 2000 to finish. Wheeled it out and used good wax. Mine died again in no time....but it sure looked good for a little while!!!
We've owned an '05 model that died in 1 year (capped waxed 6 times in that year), and now have a '12 model and it is holding up very good. I wax the front and back cap 4 times a year. Which is less then the 05 model. Bottom line...I think (guessing) the manufacturers are using a bit better material on the later models . Nothing else has changed for me. My rig is FT and is in the sun all the time. Just FYI. rockin'