If you own a boat, you know how important it is to keep the outside in good shape. It's the first thing people see when they see your boat, after all. But what do you do if the gel coat on your boat starts to wear off? Gel coat that has faded not only looks bad, but it can also weaken the way your boat is built. Swift Spirit, a yacht detailing company in Elliot Bay Marina, WA, has the skills to make your gel coat look as good as it did when it was new. In this blog, we'll talk about how Swift Spirit fixes faded gel coat and how you can use the same methods to keep your boat looking good and keeping its value.
Describe Gel Coat.
Before we start talking about how to fix a boat, it's important to know what gel coat is and how it's put on boats. Gel coat is a layer that is put on the outside of boats to protect them. It is basically a colored resin that is put on the mold of the boat before the fiberglass is put on. Once the fiberglass and gel coat have dried, the outside of the boat is strong, long-lasting, and smooth.
But over time, the gel coat can lose its color and shine. Gel coat that has faded is not only ugly, but it can also weaken the way your boat is built. This is why fading gel coat needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
The Swift Spirit's Methods for Fixing the Gel Coat
Swift Spirit uses different methods to fix faded gel coat, depending on how bad the fading is and how good the boat is. Here are some of the ways Swift Spirit does things:
1. Buffing
Buffing is one of the most common ways that Swift Spirit brings a faded gel coat back to life. During buffing, a polishing compound and a rotary buffer are used to remove the top layer of the gel coat as well as any scratches, stains, or oxidation. This process not only brings back the shine of the gel coat, but it also evens out any bumps on the surface.
Buffing is a good way to fix a gel coat that has faded and is only slightly damaged. If your boat's gel coat is severely faded or damaged, Swift Spirit may suggest other methods, such as wet sanding or reapplying the gel coat.
2. Wet Sanding
Wet sanding is a more aggressive method that Swift Spirit uses to fix gel coat that is very faded or broken. Wet sanding means taking off a thin layer of the gel coat with wet sandpaper and a sanding block. This method works better for deeper scratches and stains than buffing.
After wet sanding, Swift Spirit will use a rotary buffer and polishing compound to bring back the shine and smoothness of the gel coat. Wet sanding takes a lot of time and a skilled technician is needed to make sure the gel coat is fixed properly without hurting the fiberglass underneath.
3. Putting on the Gel Coat again
Sometimes buffing or wet sanding won't work because the gel coat is too thin or too damaged. In these situations, Swift Spirit may suggest that the gel coat be put on again.
To reapply the gel coat, you have to sand down the old layer and add a new layer of resin that has been colored. This method is more expensive than buffing or wet sanding, but it's often the only way to fix gel coat that's been severely damaged.
4. Coating of ceramic
Ceramic coating is another way that Swift Spirit uses to protect the gel coat after it has been fixed. Waxing is old-fashioned, but ceramic coating is a modern alternative. It's done by putting a liquid polymer on the gel coat. When it dries, it forms a protective layer that can't be damaged by UV rays, scratches, or stains.
Ceramic coating costs more than traditional waxing, but it lasts longer and is more durable. Ceramic coating can last up to two years with proper care, while wax needs to be reapplied every few months. This makes it a great investment for boat owners who want to protect their newly repaired gel coat.
Reasons to Fix a Faded Gel Coat
There are both aesthetic and practical reasons to fix your boat's faded gel coat. Here are some reasons why it's a good idea to fix faded gel coat:
1. Changed for the better
The most obvious reason to fix a faded gel coat is to make it look better. A shiny, smooth, and bright gel coat can make your boat look like it's brand new again. This is especially important if you want to sell your boat, since a gel coat that has been fixed can make it worth more.
2. Help against UV rays
Your boat's structure can be weakened by faded gel coat, and UV rays can do more damage to it. Restoring the gel coat not only makes the boat look better, but it also adds a layer of protection that can protect it from UV rays.
3. More years of life
A restored gel coat can also make your boat last longer. When the gel coat is in good shape, it can keep water, corrosion, and other forms of wear and tear from hurting the fiberglass underneath.
4.Improved Safety
When wet, a boat with a faded gel coat can be dangerous and slippery. When the gel coat is fixed, it makes the surface less slippery and easier to walk on, which makes the boat safer.
Conclusion
Restoring faded gel coat is an important part of boat maintenance that can help keep your boat looking good and keep it from falling apart. Swift Spirit, a yacht detailing company in Elliot Bay Marina, WA, has the skills and knowledge to bring your boat's gel coat back to its former glory. Swift Spirit has the tools and skills to fix your boat's gel coat and keep it from getting worse. This can be done by buffing, wet sanding, reapplying the gel coat, or coating it with ceramic. By fixing up your boat's gel coat, you can make it look better, protect it from UV rays, make it last longer, and make it safer to use on the water.
