Boat Gelcoat Restoration
Spartanburg, SCExpert Gelcoat Restoration Services
Bring the Shine Back
At Palmetto State Detail Co, we can bring new life to your boat with our professional gelcoat restoration services. Whether your boat battles with the harsh marine environment or simply shows signs of age, our gelcoat restoration can turn back the clock and restore your boat’s shine and durability.
Over time, gelcoat can become dull, chalky, or show signs of spider cracks and minor abrasions. Restoring the gelcoat is not just about aesthetics; it’s about extending your boat’s life and enhancing its value.
Restoration Services
We offer a comprehensive suite of boat detailing services tailored to meet the specific needs of your vessel.
Wet Sanding
Wet sanding is a critical step in removing the oxidized layer of gelcoat. Wet sanding gently removes the outermost oxidized layer, preparing the surface for buffing and polishing.
Machine Polishing
We revitalize faded and oxidized gelcoat, bringing back the glossy finish and vibrant color to your boat. Our gelcoat restoration process removes imperfections and protects against future UV damage.
High Speed Buffing
Buffing and polishing are essential to restore the gelcoat’s original shine and luster. Using high-quality compounds and polishes, we meticulously work the surface to achieve a brilliant, mirror-like finish.
Oxidation Removal
Scratch Removal
Dock Rash Removal
Swirl Removal
Decal Removal
Mold & Mildew Removal
Why Choose Our Restoration Services?
Expertise in Gelcoat Care
Our team has extensive experience in gelcoat restoration, understanding the nuances of dealing with various degrees of oxidation and damage.
Customized Solutions
We tailor our restoration approach based on the condition of your boat’s gelcoat and your specific needs, ensuring optimal results.
Commitment to Excellence
At Palmetto State Detail Co, your satisfaction is our top priority. We’re dedicated to delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations.
Quality Products & Equipment
We use only the best products and equipment in the industry, ensuring that your boat’s gelcoat is restored to its original condition, if not better.
What is Oxidation?
Oxidation occurs when gelcoat is exposed to air and sunlight, particularly UV rays, resulting in the breakdown of the gelcoat’s surface. This chemical reaction causes the gelcoat to fade, become dull, and lose its gloss, significantly affecting the boat’s appearance and surface protection.
What Does Oxidation Look Like?
Oxidized gelcoat often appears chalky or faded. Initially, you might notice a loss of shine and brilliance, progressing to a more pronounced, dull, and whitish appearance on the surface, indicating significant oxidation.
What Oxidation Does to Your Boat.
Beyond affecting aesthetic appeal, oxidation can compromise the gelcoat’s protective function, making the boat more susceptible to water intrusion, stains, and further damage from the elements.
What is Gelcoat Restoration?
Gelcoat restoration is the process of repairing and rejuvenating the gelcoat layer on your boat’s hull. This process involves thorough cleaning, repairing any scratches or chips, and then polishing and sealing the gelcoat to bring back its shine and protect it from future damage. Our restoration service can remove years of oxidation and wear, leaving your boat with a glossy, smooth finish.
The Process
There are numerous factors that we take into consideration when determining how oxidized a boat is, how thick the gelcoat is, and what is needed to bring back the gloss.
1. Inspection and Assessment
Our first step is to conduct a ‘test spot’, a small 4×4 area on the boat to demonstrate how many steps are needed to restore the gelcoat to a showroom finish.
2. Deep Cleaning
The next step involves a deep cleaning to remove dirt, grime, and any surface stains, preparing the gelcoat for the restoration process.
3. Restoring
This step includes wet/dry sanding, buffing, and polishing – depending of the level of oxidation.
4. Sealing
Finally, we apply a protective sealant to the gelcoat, enhancing its gloss and providing a layer of protection against UV rays, saltwater, and pollutants.