Hi Frank, I tried several things and my best result was take all oxidation with a high speed polisher with wool pads / 3M super duty, wet sand it with 1500-2000 grit paper and lots of water then buff with a high speed polisher with wool pads, 3M Finesse-it compound or Meguire's fine compound. And finish with 3 coats of Meguire's Carnauba wax. That's how the pros that charge you $1,200 bucks do it. It was a lot of work but the 25 year old boat looked better than new.
See picture: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133565480@N04/26529592414/ On It's been 3 years and very little wax, just a light coat at the dock once a year or so and it still looks great. The key here is that the super shine is not artificially created by the wax, the gelcoat itself is just that smooth. Nothing sticks to it. Zebra stripes are a spritz of Starbrite cleaner and light wipe away, scuffs disappear with a touch of cleaner wax. You don't' have to spend a fortune on the polisher either. I got the one shown on the link for 49 bucks it has slow start and digital speed control which is more just a gadget, you can control the speed in a very fine way and it keeps constant RPM. I figured if it lasts long enough to do the boat it paid for itself compared to paying somebody to do it. I'm sure it's still good for several boats. If you can get someone to show you how to use it that's even better. If I lived closer I'd let you borrow it. http://www.harborfreight.com/7-in-10-Amp-Heavy-Duty-Digital-Variable-Speed-Polisher-69696.html I kind of went overboard and bought a dual action polisher as well for the finishing buff and apply / buff the wax. I thought it was finer for that mirror finish (Plus it's awesome to buff the ports): http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/polishers/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-69924.html Good Luck, -Francois Rivard 1990 34+ "Take Five" Lake Lanier, GA Jul 20, 2016, at 10:27 PM, Franklin Schenk via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com<mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote: My friend has a C&C29 with a red hull. I would like to polish it with something to bring back the original color. Many years ago I could buy a car polish that would do the job. I assume that there are new products available today. Any suggestions? Frank
_______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
