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Gelcoat Restoration Services

Close-up of a boat's gelcoat reflecting its surroundings after a compounding and polishing service from A1 Marine Care..

Keep Oxidation at bay

From Dull to Dazzling

At A1 Marine Care, we specialize in comprehensive gelcoat restoration to bring your boat's exterior back to life. Whether your boat has been exposed to harsh elements, sun damage, or oxidation, our professional gelcoat restoration process removes imperfections, restores gloss, and ensures long-term protection.

Our process involves three key steps: compounding, polishing, and waxing. We also provide wet sanding services for deep scratches and heavy oxidation. 

Our gelcoat restoration process involves:

  • Wet Sanding (if needed): Removes deep scratches and heavy oxidation to prepare the surface for restoration.

  • Compounding: Aggressively eliminates oxidation, light scratches, and surface imperfections to restore color and smoothness.

  • Polishing: Adds a high-gloss finish, bringing back the boat's original shine while protecting the gelcoat.

  • Waxing: Seals the surface with a protective wax layer, safeguarding your boat from UV rays, and environmental damage.

Wet Sanding

Removing Deep Imperfections

Wet sanding is a critical first step in our gelcoat restoration process when dealing with deep scratches, heavy oxidation, or stubborn imperfections that can’t be addressed by compounding alone.

Wet sanding carefully removes a thin layer of the gelcoat to reveal a fresh, smooth surface, preparing your boat for compounding and polishing. This process ensures that the most severe blemishes are corrected.

Technician performing wet sanding as part of a professional gelcoat restoration service to remove deep imperfections from a boat’s surface.
Technician performing boat compounding to remove oxidation and surface imperfections as part of A1 Marine Care's gelcoat restoration service.

Compounding

Restoring Color, Smoothing Imperfections

Our compounding process is designed to remove oxidation, light scratches, and surface imperfections from your boat’s gelcoat, restoring its original color and smoothness. Compounding is essential for bringing back the vibrant appearance of your boat after it has been exposed to harsh conditions like UV rays and environmental wear. Our team uses professional-grade compounds and high-speed buffers to apply just the right amount of pressure, ensuring that surface defects are removed without damaging the underlying gelcoat.

Some benefits of having your boat compounded include:

  • Color Restoration: Compounding restores the deep, rich color of your boat, bringing back its original shine.

  • Enhanced Finish: By smoothing the surface, compounding enhances the overall look of your boat, preparing it for polishing.

  • Improved Protection: Removing oxidation and scratches through compounding not only improves aesthetics but also helps protect the gelcoat from further damage.

polishing

Nourishing the Gelcoat

After the compounding stage has smoothed out surface imperfections and restored your boat’s gelcoat, the next step in the process is polishing. Polishing ensures that the surface of your boat is free from micro-scratches, swirl marks, and any remaining oxidation, creating a smooth, reflective finish. 

Polishing also creates the perfect base for a wax coating, which further enhances protection and shine. You can learn more about our waxing process on our clean and wax services page.

Close-up of a technician polishing a boat's gelcoat to achieve a high-gloss finish as part of the gelcoat restoration process by A1 Marine Care.
Boats docked at a marina in Muskoka, showcasing a service area for A1 Marine Care's mobile boat detailing and gelcoat restoration services.

Service Areas

Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and Muskoka

At A1 Marine Care, we proudly provide expert gelcoat restoration services throughout the Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and Muskoka regions. Whether your boat is docked in a marina or stored on land, our mobile restoration services ensure that your vessel receives professional care and attention.

Areas We Serve

 

Georgian Bay

- Midland
- Penetanguishene
- Tiny Township
- Wasaga Beach
- Port Severn
- Honey Harbour

Book in Georgian Bay

Lake Simcoe

- Orillia
- Barrie
- Innisfil
- Oro
- Rama
- Washago

Book in Lake Simcoe

Muskoka

- Parry Sound
- Mactier
- Port Carling
- Bala
- Gravenhurst

Book in Muskoka