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Marine Gel Coat Finishing
Getting a perfect finish on your Gel Coat is imperative in the creation of moulds and general hull finishing. 3M have selected the most effective products from our range to give optimum performance across the variety of gel coats found in the marine industry. Click through the process and drill down to the individual products for more information or purchase.
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Sand the surfaces using a P240 disc on a dual action sander with 5mm orbit or less. Always start the sander on the panel. Depending on the condition of your Gel Coat this stage may not be required - in most cases you will be able to start from P500.
Key Products
3M™ Hookit™ Purple+ Multihole Disc 334U P240 50529
Spiral multihole premium disc with enhanced anti-loading coating
3M™ Central Vacuum Random Orbital Sander 20461
Provides the power and performance to get the job done with even better results
3M™ Portable Dust Extraction Unit 64401
For use with 3M™ Central Vacuum Random Orbital Sander 20461
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Here there are three levels of refinement needed to achieve a scratch depth ready for compounding.
- Step 1 P500
- Step 2 P800/1000
- Step 3 P1500
To make sure you get maximum life from your abrasive always use dust extraction. To get a uniform finish rotate between sanding horizontally and vertically across the surface per abrasive grade.
Key Products
3M™ Hookit™ Purple+ Multihole Disc 334U P500 50534
Spiral multihole premium disc with enhanced anti-loading coating
3M™ Clean Sanding Disc 360L P800 01711
A disc with precise multiple holes for improved dust extraction
3M™ Clean Sanding Disc 360L P1000 01712
A disc with precise multiple holes for improved dust extraction
3M™ Microfinishing Hookit™ Discs 260L P1500 50238
Constructed of high performance, aluminium oxide mineral to leave a consistent finish
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Compounding is carried out with one aggressive compound that removes the scratch pattern left by the abrasive steps but also creates shine. Always wipe the surface before compounding - start with medium pressure then lighter towards the end to clean up. Use a rotary polisher running at 2000 RPM or less.
Key Products
3M™ Electric Polisher 64393
Impressive power to weight ratio for improved comfort and performance
3M™ Hookit™ Backup Pad 05717M
Provides quick change advantages while producing exceptional finishes on gelcoat
3M™ Perfect-it III™ Fast Cut 09374
A fast-acting liquid abrasive
3M™ Wool Compound Head 05711
Single sided blended wool compounding pad
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The finish is further improved by another machine polishing step with a less aggressive polish designed to remove any haze/swirls from compounding. The finish that you are left with will be high gloss to the eye.
Key Products
3M™ Electric Polisher 64393
Impressive power to weight ratio for improved comfort and performance
3M™ Hookit™ Backup Pad 05717M
Provides quick change advantages while producing exceptional finishes on gelcoat
3M™ Finesse-it™ Finishing Material 09048E
Designed for scratch, swirl and light oxidation removal while also restoring shine
3M™ Wool Polishing Head 05713
Single sided blended wool compounding pad
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Finally, apply a thin coat of wax by hand using a microfiber cloth to protect the gelcoat surface. The easy-on/easy-off formulation will save time and effort and allow you to get more life from each mould.
Key Products
3M Marine Ultra Performance Paste Wax 09030
Long lasting natural protection
3M™ High Performance Cloths 60668
Washable non scratching, low linting microfiber cloths
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Please contact us for more information on Marine Processes
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