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Laser hull discolouration
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Null View Drop Down
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    Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 7:23am
Originally posted by piglet

Try T-cut first, but the abrasive in T-cut is very fine and may not dig deep enough to remove the discoloured surface layer.
Next step would be to get your hands on some Farecla G3 or 3m perfect-it.
Wet & dry would cut the surface off but 600 is very fierce, 2000 or 1200 at the most, use wet on a soft block (eg. polystyrene) and don't waste time with knackered paper, it's a consumeable!

Exactly this, don't be too scared to use wet and dry. But not 600 grit.  I would start around 1200 moving to super fine in small steps.  Then finish with facela compound and an electric mop (a proper one not a Mickey mouse fag lighter powered one)
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StevieDexter View Drop Down
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Posts: 6 		Post Options Post Options   Quote StevieDexter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 10:00am
Thanks for the tips!

I will try with T-Cut first I think and see how that goes. If I remember I'll take some photos. 
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Posts: 514 		Post Options Post Options   Quote piglet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 11:19am
I put uv protection waxes in the same category as magic beans.
However, the more light you can reflect back the less your gelcoat will have to absorb.
The 2000 owners at my club have all bought top covers with extended sides to cover the blue.
There are dozens of expensive products out there:
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piglet View Drop Down
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Posts: 514 		Post Options Post Options   Quote piglet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 11:20am
You can compound without a polisher, but you might get tennis elbow in the process.
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Rupert View Drop Down
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Posts: 8956 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 12:14pm
Many of the polishers say "do not use with rubbing compounds" or the like on them. The one I use does, and never had a problem. I think you have to be careful that you don't "burn" the surface by rubbing and rubbing in one place till there is no compound left.
Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
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Null View Drop Down
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Posts: 745 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Null Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 12:42pm
Car body shop Mops are best, but like Rupert says you need to be really careful not to burnn through the gel.  Make sure the pad is always moist by using a water spray.  They are very expensive to buy so renting one with a sponge head is probably the best option.  I would also be carfeul on classes with thing gel.  The laser is prime for a MOP!
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JimC View Drop Down
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Posts: 6660 		Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 1:46pm
the other thing to beware of is exactly what's going on: is it that the gel coat has gone pale where the sticker was, or darkened where it wasn't? If the latter should be the case then you could end up removing a lot of gel coat to no advantage.
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Posts: 514 		Post Options Post Options   Quote piglet Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 1:49pm
We use Farecla sponge heads on Draper 6" air grinders here, have tried lambs wool but too fussy and the edges can damage.
As Null said, keep it damp, a few sprinkles from the w&d bucket does the trick.
You do have to try quite hard to burn gelcoat with a mop, car paint is more delicate.
 
This is all very well if one is in the trade but a lot of trouble & expense for someone who just wants to tidy his boat up.
 
Anyone got any inside knowledge of Vela grey?
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Posts: 85 		Post Options Post Options   Quote deadrock Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 6:27pm
Laser gelcoat is only about 1mm thick in places, especially the bottom areas that get the scratches. At Draycote in the late 1970s one sailor used T-Cut and a rotary buffer, and had managed to produce the perfect shine. Until he stood back and saw a large dark patch: he'd gone completely through the gelcoat.
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Rupert View Drop Down
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Posts: 8956 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Nov 14 at 8:06pm
The gel coat on my Lightning is so old and has been smoothed so many times (some by me, many before, I think, and worn by trolleys) that it is see through in many places. Soon I'll have to paint her. Hewever, I think it would take a while (and serious lack of care) to wear out unsanded Laser gel coat. Imm is actually quite think in this situation.
Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686
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