gelcoat oxidation restoration in mooresville.
Chalky, faded gelcoat? Our 5-step restoration takes it back to a deep, glossy finish and seals it in, for boats all around Lake Norman. It’s done on land, on your trailer or at our shop location, to keep sanding and compound residue out of the lake.
- Eco-friendly products
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Evenings & weekends
- 15 years of experience
- Licensed & insured
what causes gelcoat oxidation.
Gelcoat is the hard, colored outer layer that protects your boat’s fiberglass. As it ages, its surface breaks down and turns porous, dull and chalky. Washing alone won’t bring it back.
- UV from the sunSunlight breaks down the resin and pigment in the gelcoat’s surface. It’s the biggest cause of oxidation.
- Heat and humidityLong, hot Carolina summers speed up the breakdown, especially on boats left uncovered.
- Lake water and grimeMinerals, algae and dirt left on the hull stain and wear the surface over time.
- No protectionWithout regular wax or sealant, the gelcoat’s surface is left exposed and turns porous.
Signs your boat needs restoration
- Color looks faded or patchy, especially on the sunny side
- A white, chalky residue comes off on your hand
- Water sheets off instead of beading
- Wax no longer brings the shine back
from chalky to glossy.
Each step refines the one before it, so the finish ends up deep and smooth, then sealed.
- 1
Wet/dry sanding
We wet-sand the oxidized surface to take off the chalky, damaged top layer and level the gelcoat underneath.
- 2
Heavy compound
A heavy-cut compound removes the sanding marks and any deeper oxidation, bringing the color back.
- 3
Medium compound
A finer compound refines the surface and clears the haze left by the heavy cut.
- 4
Polish
Polishing brings up the depth, gloss and clarity, so the gelcoat looks wet again.
- 5
Hydrophobic sealant
A hydrophobic sealant locks in the finish. Water beads off and the gelcoat is protected from UV.
Restoration is done on land (on your trailer or at our shop location) to keep sanding and compound residue out of the lake. Boat lives on a lift with no trailer? Ask about transport.
On the job: the same Chaparral
Before we start, trim, rub rails and fittings are masked off with tape so only the gelcoat is worked.
Why five steps?
Sanding removes the damaged layer, but it leaves fine scratches. Each compound and the polish remove the marks left by the step before, which is how the gloss comes back. The hydrophobic sealant then protects all that work.
Restoration or The Admiral?
The Admiral package uses a 3-stage compound for gelcoat that’s dull but not chalky. Not sure which your boat needs? Text us a photo. Compare The Admiral.
from $120 per foot.
Priced by boat length. Your final price is confirmed after we inspect the boat.
- 1. Wet/dry sanding
- 2. Heavy compound
- 3. Medium compound
- 4. Polish
- 5. Hydrophobic sealant
Example prices by boat length
| Boat length | Restoration |
|---|---|
| 18 ft | from $2,160 |
| 20 ft | from $2,400 |
| 22 ft | from $2,640 |
| 24 ft | from $2,880 |
| 26 ft | from $3,120 |
Add-ons & extras
real restored gelcoat.
The finished Chaparral and other boats we’ve brought back. Real photos only.
gelcoat restoration questions.
What is gelcoat oxidation?
Gelcoat is the hard, colored outer layer that protects your boat’s fiberglass. Over time UV and weather break down its surface, leaving it dull, faded and chalky. That damaged layer is oxidation.
Do I need restoration or The Admiral?
The Admiral’s 3-stage compound suits gelcoat that’s dull but not too far gone. Heavily oxidized, chalky gelcoat needs our 5-step restoration, which starts with wet/dry sanding. Send photos and we’ll tell you which one your boat needs.
How much does gelcoat restoration cost?
From $120 per foot of boat length, so a 22 ft boat starts from $2,640. Decal removal and very dirty boats cost extra, and we confirm the final price after inspecting the boat.
Are decals removed?
Decal removal is available at an extra charge. Let us know about decals when you book.
How do I stop oxidation coming back?
Our process finishes with a hydrophobic sealant. After that, regular washing and a wax or sealant (our Captain package) help protect the gelcoat.
Can you restore my boat at the dock or on a lift?
No. Restoration is done on land (on your trailer or at our shop location) to keep sanding and compound residue out of the lake. We work on your trailer or at our shop location. If your boat lives on a lift or in a slip without a trailer, ask about transport when you book.
Is restoration covered by your guarantee?
Yes. Every job comes with our 100% satisfaction guarantee: if you’re not happy, we come back and make it right.
all around lake norman.
Gelcoat oxidation restoration for boats from Mooresville and all around Lake Norman: Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Denver, Sherrills Ford and Troutman. The work is done on land, on your trailer or at our shop location. Ask about transport.
- Mooresville
- Cornelius
- Davidson
- Huntersville
- Denver
- Sherrills Ford
- Troutman
- Lake Norman marinas
Boat kept just outside these towns? Text us and we’ll tell you straight away if we can get to you.
bring the shine back.
Text us a few photos of your gelcoat and your boat’s length. We’ll tell you which service it needs and what it should cost.