How to remove scratches from Gelcoat?

[mmered8299]

I have a couple of scratches in the Gelcoat, and I was wondering if anybody new of the best way to remove them without creating more scratches?

[jetaddict]

wetsand.

[DUCKY]

It depends on the depth of the scratch. If they are not through the gel, you should be able to wetsand them out. I ususally start with 800 or 1000 and finish with 1200 or 1500, then buff using either 3M's super duty compound or their marine "finesse-it" line. If it is through the gel, then you need to prep it, patch it with gel, then follow the above steps.

[mmered8299]

Wont wet sand leave more scratches?

[DUCKY]

Well, yes. But that's the point behind starting at 800 or 1000 then going finer, then compounding. to get rid of the scratch, you either have to remove material around the scratch, or add material to it and sand it smooth. Either way, you will scratch it up first...
You end up with scratches so fine, they can't be seen with the naked eye. And EVERYONES boat is COVERED with them, they just don't know it!
[ February 08, 2003, 06:14 PM: Message edited by: DUCKY ]