Visor Fading Revisited

[Kamalani]

I know we've had some previous discussion regarding the "premature aging" of the gel coat visor over the windows, but I'm still searching for a remedy that works. I did try the 303 Aerospace Protectant, but saw no real improvement. has anyone solved this problem yet?

 

[tuggertoy]

When my wife and I bought and brought home our new-to-us 2006 R-21 Classic from the Florida panhandle this summer the visor and gelcoat in general was pretty faded from the sun. A good buffing with cleaner wax along with some compound in the worst spots really brought back the color and shine. The use of a good quality variable speed buffer is recommended - not one of those slow speed random orbit polishers. We now just maintain the gelcoat with a good coat of wax about every 5th or 6th time we wash Tugger Toy. So far so good.

Here are a few before pictures

And a few after

If you want more info about the products we used let me know.

Eric

 

[markm]

Can you recommend a model or brand of polisher?

Thanks

Mark

 

[Ainokea]

I live in Florida where the sun is known for fading the paint. I tried numerous waxes as well as t-303 and was not satisfied with the results. I came across this product in a sail boat magazine and gave it a try. The results were amazing, enough so that the Captain in the slip next to mine bought some for his company and his personal cruiser. The web site is http://www.mppros.com. I bought the Prism Polish and the Mirage Polish sealant. It is easy to apply and remove by hand. The Prism Polish suggests using a paper towel to apply as the wood fibers in the paper add some cutting edge. Dubious at first but it worked. I did not use a buffer. It may take a couple times of the polish to really get through the faded paint. I put 3 coats of the sealant on following the directions and the visors look like they are brand new. So far it has held up well to the sun, I will know more come mid summer heat/sun. I am now in the process of doing the top deck. Hope this helps. If you are a member of Lattiudes and Attitudes you will find it in the magazine.

Frank

 

[tuggertoy]

Mark,

This is the buffer I own http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9227CX3-El ... B0001GUE8Q

I do have to admit that after looking at the link that Frank posted, these products look interesting. If they work as promised the buffer may not be necessary but it may help even while using these products. If anyone tries this stuff on severely oxidized gelcoat and finds that it works as promised I would like to here about it.

Eric

 

[markm]

Thanks Eric for the link. Now I know what kind of power I need.

Mark

 

[Ainokea]

Erik

my boat is claret red. The visors had faded almost to a white in places. Every one I talked said that I would probably have to repaint the visors. I triied the products per the directions. I was suprised with just one cleaner coat. It took 3 cleaner coats to restore the color. I then put 3 coats of the sealer polish on. The visors now look new. I did not use a buffer due to space limitations but according to the instructions one can be used. I will see how it holds up in the Florida summer sun.

 

[doke01]

Just bought some of the polish and sealer. Will let you all know how it works.

Doug K.

 

[Kamalani]

Thanks to all who weighed in with your ideas. I am relieved to know that I'm in good company here. I'm going to try the Prism Polish products first, since i'd prefer not to have to use a machine buffer for such a small job. I'll report back with the results. Alex, "Kamalani"

 

[doke01]

I bought the Prism polish and tried it out and boy is it amazing! The sinks looks like new, the portholes are gleaming, the brass on the red lights are even like new (not even sure that's real brass!). Best of all the visor looks new after only a few minutes of usage and no buffer! Amazing stuff. I highly recommend it. Even cleaned the cover of the Wallas stove. I'm going to do the entire hull with it. Already tried it on some of the vents and they look brand new.

 

[Nellie Too]

We used the Mirage (Prism) on the hull of the Nellie Too. We put on two applications, 24 hours apart, and not only were we amazed our neighbors were as well. We highly recommend it. The hull is so smooth and sheds water, amazing stuff. In Seattle , it is available at Fisheries Supply. If you have any questions about the product, the web address is: "www.mppros.com". Jerry the owner of the company is very responsive.
Bob and Nita

 

[Kamalani]

Well, today was polishing day aboard "Kamalani" and Capt. Sherry & I could not be happier. We used the Prism Polish to remove the chalky oxidation and bring the color back to factory new. Then we applied two coats of the Mirage Sealant to protect from sun damage. According to Jerry, the product manufacturer, two applications of the sealant will mean never having to polish again. Here's hoping!

Before

After

Thanks again to everyone for steering us to this solution.
Alex & Sherry, "Kamalani"