Can I sand my gelcoat front cap?

[MojaveJoe]

My white front cap is gelcoat, as are so many fifth wheels.

Iam on a mission to remove the slight yellowing that became obvious when I removed a peeling graphics sticker.

I am about to try (for the first time with a power buffer) compounding it with a product made for restoring color on boat hulls. If this doesn't work, Im wondering if I can wet sand it with 1200 grit wet/dry paper to remove the top coat and get down to the original white color. Then just compound and polish it back to a good shine.

Anyone have any experience or suggestions about doing this?

Joe

[MojaveJoe]

My white front cap is gelcoat, as are so many fifth wheels.

Iam on a mission to remove the slight yellowing that became obvious when I removed a peeling graphics sticker.

I am about to try (for the first time with a power buffer) compounding it with a product made for restoring color on boat hulls. If this doesn't work, Im wondering if I can wet sand it with 1200 grit wet/dry paper to remove the top coat and get down to the original white color. Then just compound and polish it back to a good shine.

Anyone have any experience or suggestions about doing this?

Joe

[jrcnlc]

I just went through same problem. I used liquid clay bar made by turtlewax under Ice brand or lable.worked wonderful it took all old wax off an fading yellowing looks new.then applied good coat of wax.

[MojaveJoe]

Turtle Wax Liquid Clay Bar
Now there's a product Ive not heard of.
Did you put it on by hand or with a buffer?
How long to do your front cap? Clay only.
Thanx,
Joe

[jrcnlc]

I put on by hand comes with sponge type applicater.Took about two hours including wash with water after appling loquid clay bar.Have to rub hard.

[Ray,IN]

I've never been a fiberglass repairman, but I would say a power buffer will leave swirl marks. I haven't found anything that beats elbow grease.

[MojaveJoe]

Thanks for all the input guys.

I ended up getting GelCoat Labs - Color Restorer/compound and Micro-Polish/sealant.

Using a rotary polisher I removed the oxidation and previous waxes down to clean gelcoat. Bringing back some of the shine. Then the micro-polish really shined it up and sealed it and made it smooth like glass.

Tomorrow I will add a coat of Turtle Wax Ice synthetic paste wax, which will make it super slippery. (It can be put on a hot sunny surface)

I plan to hand clean the bugs on the front cap with mild cleaners in small areas at a time, then re-wax it with a spray wax TW Ice makes for touchup detailing.

After a few months on the road I'll know how well this system works and try to remember to post results here. If I forget, someone just post a question here for me and I'll receive an e-mail notification, reminding me.

Safe Travels,
Joe