Restore faded, chalky, and oxidized gelcoat to its original gloss. Professional compound and polish work for fiberglass boats and marine vessels.
Choose your vessel type and start the quote conversation with the right service already selected.
Gel coat is the protective outer layer on fiberglass boats. Over time, UV exposure, saltwater, and the elements cause it to oxidize, fade, and turn chalky. What was once a glossy, vibrant hull becomes dull and rough to the touch.
A standard 2-step compound and polish handles moderate oxidation well. Gel coat correction is for boats where the damage goes further — finishes so far gone that a 2-step won’t fully restore them. That means 3 or more stages of machine work, and wet sanding when compounding alone isn’t enough to cut through the oxidized layer.
We price gel coat correction at $30/ft per step. Because the step count depends entirely on the condition of the vessel, every job starts with a quote. Send us photos and we’ll give you an honest read on what it will take.
A controlled, step-by-step process for restoring gloss without guessing at the surface.
We start with the vessel size, storage location, oxidation level, problem areas, and your goal. A glossmeter and strong correction lights help document the true starting condition instead of relying on eyesight alone.
Salt, minerals, black streaks, waterline grime, and bonded contamination are removed before machine work so dirt is not dragged through the gelcoat.
Rubber, decals, hardware edges, non-skid, plastics, and tight details are protected so the correction work stays focused on the surfaces that need it.
A test spot tells us how many steps are needed and how aggressive we can safely be. We check the section with correction lighting and gloss readings before applying that process across the hull or topsides.
Oxidation is cut back in controlled sections, then refined with polishing to restore depth, clarity, and that wet-gloss finish without overworking edges.
After a final wipe and inspection, we recommend wax, sealant, or marine ceramic coating so the restored gelcoat is easier to maintain.
It keeps the quote honest and prevents over-correction. The boat decides the process, and the readings help prove the improvement.
Correction lights reveal haze, swirls, and missed areas even in sunlight, while the glossmeter gives before-and-after numbers during assessment and on the job.
Correction restores the finish. Protection helps hold that result against UV, salt, and staining.
Every boat’s condition is different, which is why gel coat correction is quote-only.
All prices shown are starting rates. Final pricing is determined by vehicle size, paint condition, and technical complexity. A detailed quote is provided before any work begins.
If your boat’s hull or topsides have lost their shine and feel rough or chalky to the touch, oxidation has set in. This is especially common on boats that are stored outdoors without covers, or those that haven’t been waxed or sealed regularly.
Signs your boat needs gel coat correction:
After correction, we strongly recommend applying a marine ceramic coating or sealant to protect the restored finish and prevent re-oxidation.
After restoring your gelcoat, lock in the results with a marine ceramic coating for multi-year UV and salt protection.
Gel coat correction is the right fit when the finish has crossed the line from dirty to visibly faded, chalky, or tired.
If the hull looks dull, rough, or leaves chalky residue when touched, correction is usually the right next step.
A cleaner, glossier hull can change how the whole vessel presents when a buyer sees it in person.
This service is often the reset that makes wax, sealant, or ceramic protection worth adding afterward.
Most gel coat clients are trying to reverse years of sun exposure and bring the finish back to a point where they feel proud of the boat again.
A typical restoration starts with a vessel that still has strong potential underneath, but the oxidation has hidden it from view.
This is often the difference between a boat that looks neglected and one that looks maintained, protected, and worth investing in.
Quick answers for boat owners dealing with oxidation, fading, and quote-only correction work.
Gel coat correction is the process of removing oxidation, fading, and chalky buildup from a fiberglass finish through machine compounding and polishing. The goal is to restore gloss, color depth, and a smoother surface.
Common signs include a dull or chalky surface, faded color, rough texture, staining that will not wash away, and a finish that no longer beads water the way it used to.
Many boats see a major improvement, but the final result depends on how severe the oxidation is and how much healthy material remains. We aim for the best safe result based on the condition of the vessel.
No two boats have the same level of fading, oxidation, access, or surface area. Quote-only pricing lets us account for the actual condition of the vessel and the number of stages needed to restore it properly.
Yes. After restoring the finish, we strongly recommend wax, sealant, or marine ceramic coating to help protect the corrected gelcoat from UV exposure, salt, and future oxidation.
Yes. Flagship is a mobile service and can perform gel coat correction at marinas, docks, storage facilities, or homes when the working conditions are suitable.