Over time, your boat’s gel coat can lose its shine and turn chalky due to oxidation, UV exposure, and neglect. But the good news? You don’t need to repaint or refinish—you can restore your boat’s gel coat to like-new condition with the right products and techniques.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly cut, polish, and protect your gel coat using professional-grade tools and marine compounds from Whitby Marine Products.
Why Gel Coat Fades
Gel coat is durable, but it’s still vulnerable to:
-
UV damage
-
Saltwater exposure
-
Lack of maintenance
-
Harsh weather conditions
Fading, chalky surfaces, and oxidation are all signs your gel coat needs restoration.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what we recommend from our Gel Coat Restoration Bundles:
✔ Starke Level R – Heavy cut compound to remove deep oxidation
✔ Starke Finish R – Hybrid polish for gloss and clarity
✔ Starke Surface Prep – Ensures the surface is ready for protection
✔ Sealant or Ceramic Coating:
• Hyper Hold Pro – SiO₂ Polymer Sealant
• Liquid Kraken – Graphene Ceramic Coating
✔ Lake Country Buffing Pads
✔ Starke Money Pad (for dual-action polishers)
Step-by-Step Gel Coat Restoration
Step 1: Wash & Decontaminate
Start by washing the surface with a marine-grade soap like Starke Ultra Clean to remove any dirt, oils, and residues. Use a foam cannon or soft-bristle brush.
Step 2: Apply Heavy Cut Compound
Use a rotary buffer with the Lake Country White Wool Pad and apply Starke Level R. Work in 2x2 ft sections. This step removes oxidation and surface scratches.
✔ Pro Tip: Don’t let the compound dry out—keep it moving until it flashes, then wipe off.
Step 3: Polish to Perfection
Switch to the Yellow Wool Pad or Money Pad with a DA polisher and apply Starke Finish R. This step brings out the gloss and removes fine haze from compounding.
Step 4: Surface Prep
Use Starke Surface Prep to remove any oils or residue left from the polish. This is key before applying a protective layer.
Step 5: Seal or Ceramic Coat
For long-term protection, choose between:
-
Hyper Hold Pro: Easy-to-apply SiO₂ sealant that offers up to 6 months of protection.
-
Liquid Kraken: Advanced graphene ceramic coating for year-round hydrophobic protection.
Apply using microfiber applicators in even strokes. Allow to cure per instructions.
How Often Should You Restore Gel Coat?
Heavy compounding should be done once a year or less depending on exposure. You can maintain the gloss with Starke Replenish after each wash to extend the life of your coating.
Bundle & Save
Check out our specially priced Gel Coat Restoration Bundles for vessels under 30 feet or over 30 feet, each equipped with the right products and pads for pro-level results.
Final Thoughts
With the right tools and a little elbow grease, you can bring faded gel coat back to life. Our carefully curated bundles and premium products make it easy to achieve professional results at home—saving you time and money while preserving your investment.
Want more tips like this? Browse our full selection of marine detailing guides on the Whitby Marine Products Blog.