Hi Bill: When it rains, it pours! I will definitely check into the Don Casey books and it sounds like West System can supply all of the materials plus guide a novice through the process. After Jerry mentioned it, I recall having seen something about the Awlgrip product. Maybe a refinishing job on a small craft will cure me of my ambition to do it on a larger one someday. Thanks again for the suggestions. Cheers, bob -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+bobsmith=ag.arizona.edu@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+bobsmith=ag.arizona.edu@mailman.xmission.co m] On Behalf Of Bill Lamica Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 11:44 AM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: M_Boats: M-10 gelcoat restoration Hi Bob, At the moment I cannot quote much on book names and authors as my "library" is packed away. But, I do agree to start with books and videos (or a mentor). I have a couple of books by Don Casey; Pretty simple instructional, how to books. You could Google his name and come up with titles. And I have some free or small cost brochures and pamphlets by "West Systems" which supplies quite alot of the finishing materials to the boating industry (got that at West Marine). It is the materials that Sean Mulligan refers to on his M23 refinish. What a learning curve there is for refinishing a boat. There are some professional jobs finished and being done by the group. Myself, I've been fortunate to find (I take my time) craft that are in need of polish and rerigging only. I guess you could say I am not as "ambitious" as say... Sean. In fact, compared to Sean - I'm just plain LAZY. 1. Determine if the gelcoat can be fixed. I would start with marine hull cleaner "mild rubbing compound" and using elbo grease, clean the gelcoat to see if the oxidation (dullness) can be polished out. And of course, if that works you are downtown. You could continue by hand or use a power buffer and when satisfied with the finish you could complete the job with a good wax job, something with Tephlon added maybe. All of the chemicals could come from the brand called: www.starbrite.com available at West Marine and others. 2. If the gelcoat is gone or beyond a mechanical refinish you could concern yourself with replacing the gelcoat (professionals only - I'm told) or painting the hull with either brush (called tipping) or spraying. I also understand, because of the watercraft envirinment, it is necessary to use an epoxy paint to assure durability. There may be other steps or solutions. I've only had to deal with the first step. Bill www.MSOGPhotoSite.com _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats