Compounding hull

I was wondering if anyone has done a serious compounding job on their hull.
The hull on my IP38 had faded to a nice, even white until the guys in a Trinidad boat yard got their hands on it, supposedly to wax it. Now I have blotchy patches of the original IP "beige" showing through.
Would a complete compounding of the hull bring it back evenly?
Thanks
Rob Helsby
s/v Quetico
St. Lucia

Rob

I have IP38 hull 59 and have experienced similar issues. In fact, I am now contemplating painting her topsides to solve this problem. I suspect that my boat has been compounded 'one time too many', and also has some 'old repairs' that don't quite match up the original gelcoat color. I too am awaiting any input from other members on this issue.

Regards

Jesse

I'm in the same situation. my 1984 IP31 #21 has a white hull. I'm not sure if that is because of the 30 years old? I have used 3M liquid compound and the hull has come up nice.

But, i tried to remove the old name off the stern and after too much compound ,the tan color came through.
Am i looking at the original color and there is that much oxidation on the gel coat ?

any thoughts?
thanks Fred
[attachment:1]IP_JAN_6_2014 002.jpg[/attachment]

The beige showing through is where they were able to get enough of the oxidation off that the "old" gelcoat living under all that oxidation is finally beginning to show through.. If you could get the rest of the oxidation off, then you could begin to polish that beautiful gelcoat and get a showroom finish.
The great thing about gelcoat, and our island packets have an extra thick layer, is that it is relatively thick. much much thicker than a coat of paint. It can be wet sanded and compounded then polished several times (using proper procedures of course, but well within the DIY's ability) before painting should even be considered.
IMO gelcoat on your hull is far superior to paint. It is much thicker, you can scratch it deeply it and it still is the same color. It can be sanded and buffed and polished several times, and you paid for this superior product, why cover it up with paint? If paint were better, that is what they would put on in the first place because it is cheaper than using gelcoat.

To get you gelcoat back to near new condition it takes three things. Hard work, correct technique, and proper materials. That is why contractors fail to get the gelcoat back to where it could be. They like to get your money, and get the job done and move on. Lets face it, it is the rare contractor who cares as much about your boat and money as you do.

Here is a link that will tell you everything you want to know about how to restore your gelcoat.:
forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=117266

In addition, if you want too you can check out my photo album under Emergpa1's profile page. There are some pictures of some gelcoats I have restored.
regards

The beige showing through is where they were able to get enough of the oxidation off that the "old" gelcoat living under all that oxidation is finally beginning to show through.. If you could get the rest of the oxidation off, then you could begin to polish that beautiful gelcoat and get a showroom finish.
The great thing about gelcoat, and our island packets have an extra thick layer, is that it is relatively thick. much much thicker than a coat of paint. It can be wet sanded and compounded then polished several times (using proper procedures of course, but well within the DIY's ability) before painting should even be considered.
IMO gelcoat on your hull is far superior to paint. It is much thicker, you can scratch it deeply it and it still is the same color. It can be sanded and buffed and polished several times, and you paid for this superior product, why cover it up with paint? If paint were better, that is what they would put on in the first place because it is cheaper than using gelcoat.

To get you gelcoat back to near new condition it takes three things. Hard work, correct technique, and proper materials. That is why contractors fail to get the gelcoat back to where it could be. They like to get your money, and get the job done and move on. Lets face it, it is the rare contractor who cares as much about your boat and money as you do.

Here is a link that will tell you everything you want to know about how to restore your gelcoat.:
forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=117266

In addition, if you want too you can check out my photo album under Emergpa1's profile page. There are some pictures of some gelcoats I have restored.
regards