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[Bilge Rat]

What product(s) did you use to remove the oxidation?
I've used 3M Marine Restorer and Wax on my dark green hull but only get one season out of it. I'm thinking about giving up and letting oxidation take over forever.

[Tom L.]

I had two dark blue hulled boats (flag Blue). One was gel coat the other was imron.
It was nearly impossible to keep the gel coat free of oxidation.
The imron on the other hand was spectacular. Simply washed with mild soap and rinse.  The mfg. does not recommend using wax and especially not polishes or compounding. In ten years it looked as good as the day I bought it.

Tom L.

[marc]

I followed the steps outlined by 'Main Sail' - to the letter - as outlined here:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/52772-tips-compound-polish-wax.html

The products I used were:
3M sandpaper 1000 grit
3M Marine Rubbing Compound
Presta Ultra Cutting Creme
Presta Chroma
Collinite #885 Fleet Wax Paste
Makita model 9227C buffer
3M heavy wool Hookit Superbuff pads #05711
3M professional grade foam pads #05725
microfiber rags

The finish wore off some at the bow where the mooring ball scuffed against the hull. Didn't notice any oxidation. This spring I plan to strip last year's wax with dish soap, touch up scuffed spots with Presta Cutting Creme & Presta Chroma, then rewax. Should take only a few hours (I hope). I'll let you know how it works out.

Hope this helps.
Marc

[Bilge Rat]

Sounds like a lot of work but it sure looks nice. 

[Salty19]

Polishing out these boats is very hard work but there comes a time in a boats life where this is just the ticket to restoring her looks.

Before Polishing:



After polishing: 






With this said, I think Tom is spot on.  Unless you're keeping your boat in a tomb, UV rays will relentless re-oxidize the gelcoat.
Eventually I'll need to paint our hull, which would be a travesty as it's the only Com-pac ever built in this color.  So I'll delay as long as possible.