Kayak Gel Coat Repair

Update on 7-24-2023: Here is a newer video where I show a deeper more thorough method for improving the topcoat, i.e., using a 2-part polyurethane    • How to Apply New Gel Coat (Polyuretha...  

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This is the process I used to repair the gel coat on my Carbon/Kevlar Galasports Kayak. The gel coat on the bottom of the boat had about 100 scratches. I was concerned the gel coat would start to wear off. I considered several solutions. After speaking with Ashley Nee about some options, I decided simply polishing the gel coat with Marine grade polish would be the way to go. I ended up applying 2 coats of polish to the entire boat and 1 coat of ceramic wax. I am happy with the way it came out. After 1-2 months I will post an update in the comments mentioning how the gel coat refurbishment worked 1-2 months later. As I mention in the video, I decided to "not" sand out the scratches, or use cutting polish to fully remove them. It would have removed some of the gelcoat. Instead I applied polish and hand buffed it, so that I would add compatible oils to the gelcoat in order to preserve it. Then I added ceramic wax to help keep the polish and its oils in place. I feel the polish and wax will give a slight protection to the gel coat and help it last much longer, just as it is used with cars, rv's and motor/sail boats to protect their gelcoats.

Appreciation to advisor Ashley Nee at https://www.valleymillkayaks.com

Materials Used:
(1) Polish: Meguiar's M4516 Marine/RV Polish & Gloss Enhancer - 16 oz.
(2) Wax: Mothers 05566 Ultimate Hybrid Ceramic Wax, 16 fl. oz.
(3) Applicator: Could not find the one I used online. I think I bought it at an auto shop. This one is similar, Autocare Microfiber Wax Applicator, Ultra-Soft Microfiber Wax Applicator Pads with Finger Pocket Wax Applicator for Cars Wax Applicator Foam Sponge (Blue, 5" Diameter, Pack of 10)
(4) Microfiber Cloth: The Rag Company - Eagle Edgeless 500 (4-Pack) Professional Korean 70/30 Blend Super Plush Microfiber Detailing Towels, 500GSM, 16in x 16in, Blue.