Step 2 dip a rag into a jar of petroleum jelly and rub the scratch in a circular motion.
How to remove surface scratches from gelcoat.
A deeper scratch or one that that you can easily wedge a fingernail into might require the expertise of a fiberglass refinisher.
When looking at a scratch in the gelcoat you need to determine whether it is a surface scratch or a deep scratch the reason being is that surface scratches can easily be buffed with a rubbing compound as opposed to deep scratches which take a couple more steps.
For deeper penetrating scratches you may have to fill in the gel coat itself.
Should i use any buffing compound.
If the scratch is a shallow surface scratch you should be able to remove it yourself.
If you cannot feel the scratch it is a light scratch that will likely be fixed using the first method.
If you can feel the scratch and your fingernail does not catch easily on the scratch it is a deep clear coat scratch that must be fixed using the second method.
In the past when i wax the boat i can actually get some of them out by hand with just the wax.
Using a polishing compound like polyshine you should be able to buff this out and even out the area giving you the appearance of the original gel coat or close to it.
Surface scratches can be buffed out of gelcoat with polishing compound but deep scratches must be filled.
Run your fingers over the scratch while the surface of the car is clean.
In the case of the surface level scratch your mission should be to repair the gel coat.
When the gelcoat surrounding a scratch is in good condition the filler of choice is gelcoat paste which provides both filler and finish in a single application but not a single step.
If the surface is oxidized restore it with a rubbing compound so you ll be able to match its color accurately.
Expect to repeat the application.
First assess the damage.
Next gouge out small narrow cracks and scratches that are too deep to remove with rubbing compound until they are wide enough to fill with gelcoat paste.
Once the surface is clean and dry mark off the repair area with masking tape.
To keep this blog entry brief we ll deal with deal only with surface scratches.
As long as the gelcoat around the deep scratch is in good condition you will be able to use gelcoat putty requires mixing mekp.
Scratches that don t penetrate down into the layers of fiberglass often can be wet sanded flat and buffed back to a shine with no need for gelcoat at.
This is not something i want to do all the time maybe just an annual maintenance thing.
If your fingernail does catch on the scratch it may.
Should i just buff with the boat wax that i ve been using.
I have some minor scratches in my gelcoat that i would like to try and remove.
Can i use a motorized car type buffer.
