How to Determine if Buffing Would Return Shine

[bilgedawg]

The admiral and I are in the process of looking at boats in person. We took a look at a 1990 boat last week. The topsides are faded and need attention. My question: Is there a way to tell if a buffing and waxing would bring the shine back verses having to go with Awlgrip painting?

Obviously when we are just doing the initial visit to a boat you can't try buff a spot. It would make a big difference on what I was willing to pay for a boat if I knew upfront if I were going to have to completely refinish the topsides. I noticed when I rubbed my index finger across the hull I get a chalky haze on my finger - like oxidized paint off a car.

TIA for the tips.

[Sailmonkey]

depends on if there's enough gelcoat to buff off the chalky layer without removing all the gelcoat. Some boat have it, others don't.

[Joli]

If! There is enough gel coat and if the gel coat is not scratched and dinged up it can be brought back. Wet sand with 3000 grit, then compound down till working with a 3M fin~es~it media. Usually there is plenty of gel coat so the major worry will be scratches and dings.

YouTube - Detail sail Boat oxidation removal