Whats wrong with gel coat?

rcutino23 · **Joined:** Tue May 20, 2014 7:14 am **Posts:** 6

I was waxing my boat using a buffer and may have burned gel coat. I have never burned the gel coat before so I'm not sure what it looks like. The dark green section near bow of boat has a 5inch x 8inch section that is a lighter green. It is glossy and I expected a burned section to be dull. any ideas what happen or how to fix it. when I get home I will put a pic of it on here. thanks

purdueosch · **Joined:** Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:52 am **Posts:** 141

If you "burn" through the gel coat, you have removed too many layers. Chances are you removed a lot of the green layer and now the white is starting to show through making it lighter. My experience with gel coat is limited, but it's really difficult to "burn" through a full layer unless you stayed on that area way too long, used too fast of an RPM, or too harsh of an abrasive compound/pad.

Hope that helps a little.

rcutino23 · **Joined:** Tue May 20, 2014 7:14 am **Posts:** 6

Thanks. I've used a buffer before and I always kept the machine moving unless the bow was just super thin on coating which i dont think it would be because or trailer and roller. I was using presta ultra cutting creme on 1800rpm which was minium range recomended on bottle. I'll post a pic soon when I get off work and maybe be easier for responses to see the area. thanks for reply though.

purdueosch · **Joined:** Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:52 am **Posts:** 141

It sounds like you were careful and did everything right. I also run about 1800 RPM and get great results. Post those pictures later so we can get a better idea of what's going on.

Graham R · **Posted:** Fri May 30, 2014 5:05 pm

Regardless of cutting compound grade, when cutting/ polishing you need to keep the mop wet, very wet or else it will overheat

ric · **Posted:** Fri May 30, 2014 6:58 pm

Unless a previous owner constantly wet sanded the green I highly doubt you removed any gelcoat to make it thin enough to show the white under. Unless it was a factory flaw/defect

rcutino23 · **Joined:** Tue May 20, 2014 7:14 am **Posts:** 6

Here's a pic I kept trying take some cause of sun but this best I got. I will try in morning for better one. I did not burn anywhere else on boat and have spray bottle I use to keep pad moist. Just not sure what this or how to get rid of it. Like I said when look a pic it is polished and shining so not sure if really burned?

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138 ... 4a9208.jpg

rpengr · **Posted:** Sat May 31, 2014 12:21 pm

It sure looks like the white is showing through from underneath.

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Whats wrong with gel coat?

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