discoloration on topsides

[edanalong]

Hi all,
Has anyone experianced some slight yellowing or discoloration along their topsides? If so, is there a way to buff it out or do you just have to live with it.

Thanks so much,
Edana
S/V Cour Volant

[MartyB]

How old is your boat? Some cases you can buff it out. Others, if a poor gelcoat job, it will be harder to remove. Generally speaking tho, it should be removable.

It could also take wet sanding with 400 then 600 grit paper, or a steel wool equal initially, then a power buffer with one being a strong rubbing compound, then a wax at the end. I did this last spring by hand, and it made my old 85 Arcadia shine really well. Recently got a Makita model 9227C power buffer, that has a varible speed from 600-3000. The 600 works well for buffing, and not overheating the compounds that you are using.

This was about $200 US for the buffer, so not cheap, unlike some of the lower cost buffers. This looks more like a large angle grinder/sander but with a loop handle.

Marty

[Geoff]

Hi All

Is the discolouration on the water if so the some traffic film remover spayed alomg the line then left for five minutes and then sponged and WELL rinsed will get rid of it.

Good luck.

Geoff.

[MalcolmP]

I would first try an oxalic acid based cleaner like Y10 - most chandlers have it or an equivalent - it is non- abrasive and cleans up rust and yellowing very well

Malcolm

[Zanshin]

I removed some playing-card sized slight discolorations with a cloth daubed in Acetone from the fiberglass on the inside of the boat. For outside (gelcoat) applications nothing beats light duty rubbing compound then wax applied either with elbow grease or a buffing machine.