Gelcoat thickness

[rcobrakit67]

I have the gelcoat finish on my body. If you look close you can see imperfections and sratches in the finish. I would like to try to improve the finish by either wetsanding or just compounding the body. Has anyone done this,is the gelcoat thick enough? Should i go the less agressive route and use a random orbital polisher or a non orbital polisher? How about materials,can i use my automotive polishes and compounds or do i need to use materials designed for gelcoat only. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks,Richie

[DanEC]

You might inspect around cut openings in the body - louvers, headlight buckets to get an idea but I don't know how you would measure it in mils. There are no guarantees but usually I would think you could lightly wet sand and polish it. But trying an aggressive polish with an orbital first to see if that will handle it is a good idea. When trying to bring back a paint job of unknown thickness, they usually start with a less aggressive process first and only get more aggressive if that can't solve the issue.

[H-Rod]

I ordered this set up:
http://http://www.marine31.com/flex-marine-31-kit.html

I havent had a chance to try it out yet.
The orange pads are a pretty good "cutting" pad without being overly aggressive.

My gelcoat has the same imperfections and fine scratches.
That Flex 3401 polisher in the package listed above is one of the best machines in the detailing world.
Whenever I get around to trying that out on my car, I`ll post up and let everybody know.

[saltshaker]

Did you get the high gloss or the regular?
I detailed mine with a 3m compound and wax...I have one spot that I wet sanded and the polished. Some of the guys who bought the standard finish have clear coated them with great results. In the end I had mine painted
Jon

[pats401]

You Can Wet Sand The Hell Out Of It. Don't Start Too Aggressive,Work Up Through The Grits,Then Compound,Swirl Remover,Polish.Spend The Time And It Will Come Up Nice.I Have Had People Swear Mine Is Paint. Pat