[Trayder]

Dink-

I am sorry the wet-sanding did not work.

There is a ton of mis-information in this thread. I strive to keep the info on Classicseacraft.com factual from experience but many people read something on a web-site and then regurgitate the info when they see someone requesting similar info. I see it all the time and shake my head.

The Mako boy's method is dead nuts on when it comes to refinishing oxidized gel-coat.

Unfortunatly, as you now know there is no way you will efficiently cutlarge areas of orange peel from newly applied gel coat with 400 grit wet/dry.

To answer your questions:

Dykem is a cutting dye used by machine shops and places that cut sheet metal. You can buy it at industrial material shops, one place I know that has it in stock is Aquidneck fasteners in Tiverton RI. I have a full bottle in my shop and am happy to let you use it, PM your address and I will get it up to you.

You apply the dykem with a rag, much like applying stain on wood. saturate the rag and wipe on the are you plan on finishing. put it on thin and test it in a small area.

let it dry for a few minutes and then with the sander on 1 or 2 hit the area until the dykem goes away thus leveling the highs/lows, immeadiatly move on once the dykem is gone. It is imperative you keep the D/A flat to the surface you are re-finishing.

You can pick up Mirka brand (my favorite) hook and loop sanding sheets at Burns Power Tools in Fall River Mass. Try not to speand too much time at Burns or you will quickly deplete ant budget you had left for the boat (the place is power tool Mecca)

After you have leveled your area start with 400 wet and dry and work you way up.

A few notes

1: you may need a thicker base of gel-coat, one rolled on layer may very well break through

2: Since I know you used Signature finish on the other areas of you boat you can always fall back on that to refinish this area if your gel is too thin.

3: To all other folks out there (and you know who you are as we exchanged unpleasant PM's) please do not post your methods unless you have actually done them.