Heavy Oxidation Does Not Stand a Chance. We Restore Any Gelcoat to a High Gloss Finish.
Professional wet sanding and compounding for South Florida vessels. We cut through oxidation, scratches, and surface defects to reveal the finish beneath.
Get a Free QuoteWhen Wax Is Not Enough, You Need Surface Correction.
Compounding uses an abrasive compound applied by machine buffer to cut through the top layer of oxidized, damaged, or contaminated gelcoat and reveal the fresh undamaged material below. It is more aggressive than polishing and is used to remove oxidation, deep swirl marks, scratches, water spots, and surface staining that regular waxing cannot address.
Wet sanding goes one step further. Using ultra fine wet dry sandpaper with water lubrication, wet sanding levels the gelcoat surface to remove severe orange peel texture, deep scratches, waterline staining, and paint transfer. After wet sanding, the surface is compounded and polished to restore full gloss. The result is a finish that rivals the original factory gelcoat.
Jason and Richard Have Been Restoring South Florida Gelcoat for Over 30 Years
Jason Rockwood and Richard Noto have performed wet sanding and compounding on South Florida vessels since 2011. Between them they bring 59 combined years of professional marine detailing experience to every surface correction job. They have restored gelcoat on hundreds of vessels ranging from 25 foot center consoles to 100 foot motoryachts, including boats owners believed were beyond saving. When you book a compounding or wet sanding service with Land and Sea Detailing Inc you are getting the most experienced gelcoat restoration team in South Florida working directly on your vessel.
Which Service Does Your Vessel Actually Need
Wash and Wax
Your gelcoat is in good condition with minor dullness and no visible oxidation. A wash and wax restores gloss and adds a protective layer. Best for vessels on a regular maintenance schedule.
Compounding Only
Your gelcoat has visible oxidation, swirl marks, or light scratches. Machine compounding cuts through the damaged layer and restores gloss without removing significant gelcoat material. Most common restoration service.
Wet Sanding and Compounding
Your gelcoat has severe oxidation, deep scratches, orange peel texture, or waterline staining that compounding alone cannot remove. Wet sanding levels the surface first, then compounding and polishing restore the finish. The most aggressive correction service.
Ceramic Coating After Correction
After compounding or wet sanding, ceramic coating is the smartest next step. It bonds to the freshly corrected surface and protects the restored finish for two or more years. We always recommend ceramic coating immediately after surface correction.
Is Your Vessel Ready for Surface Correction?
Chalky or dull gelcoat that does not respond to washing or waxing
Visible oxidation leaving a white powdery residue on the surface
Deep swirl marks or buffer trails visible in direct sunlight
Waterline staining that will not remove with standard cleaners
Scratches or scuffs from dock contact or handling
Orange peel texture in the gelcoat surface indicating factory finish degradation
How We Restore Your Gelcoat Step by Step
Surface Assessment
We inspect the gelcoat under direct sunlight to assess the degree of oxidation, the depth of scratches, and the overall condition of the surface before selecting the right compound and technique.
Wet Sanding if Required
For severe oxidation, deep scratches, or orange peel texture, we begin with wet sanding using progressively finer grits to level the surface uniformly before compounding.
Heavy Compound Cut
We use a professional marine cutting compound applied by dual action or rotary buffer to remove the damaged surface layer and establish an even cut across the gelcoat.
Medium Compound Polish
A medium polishing compound refines the surface after the cutting stage, removing buffer marks and haze from the heavy compound step.
Fine Polish and Finishing
A fine finishing polish brings the gelcoat to maximum gloss, removing any remaining micro-marring and preparing the surface for wax or ceramic coating.
Wax or Ceramic Protection
The corrected surface is protected immediately with a premium marine wax or ceramic coating to seal in the finish and protect the fresh gelcoat from South Florida's environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my boat needs compounding or just waxing?
Run your hand across the hull in direct sunlight. If the gelcoat looks chalky, dull, or has a white powdery residue, or if you can see deep swirl marks and scratches that do not disappear with washing, your vessel needs compounding. If the surface is relatively smooth and just lacks gloss, a wash and wax may be sufficient. We will assess your vessel and give you an honest recommendation.
Will wet sanding damage my gelcoat?
Not when performed correctly by experienced professionals. Wet sanding removes a very thin layer of gelcoat material and must be done with the right grit sequence and proper technique. Our team has performed wet sanding on South Florida vessels for over 30 years. We know exactly how much material to remove and when to stop.
How long does compounding and wet sanding take?
Depending on vessel size and condition, a compounding job typically takes 4 to 16 hours. Wet sanding projects may take longer. We give you a specific timeline after assessing the vessel. Some projects require multiple days.
Should I get ceramic coating after compounding?
Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Compounding creates a fresh, clean gelcoat surface that is the ideal foundation for ceramic coating. Applying ceramic immediately after surface correction gives the coating the best possible bond and protects the corrected finish for years.
Can you compound a vessel that has been neglected for years?
In most cases yes. Even severely oxidized gelcoat can often be restored through compounding and wet sanding. There are limits, particularly when gelcoat has been worn through to the fiberglass below, but we have restored vessels that owners believed were beyond saving. We will give you an honest assessment before any work begins.
Your Gelcoat Can Look New Again. We Guarantee It.
Mobile wet sanding and compounding throughout Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach.