Oxidation Removal

Bring Back the Shine Your Boat Deserves

Is your boat faded, chalky, or dull? That's oxidation, and it's fixable. From light polish to full restoration, I'll bring your gel coat back to life.

See Pricing Call (302) 853-2853

What's Actually Happening to Your Gel Coat

That white, chalky film on your hull isn't dirt. It's oxidation. UV rays from the sun break down the molecular structure of gel coat over time, causing it to fade, chalk, and lose its gloss. Salt accelerates the process. So does outdoor storage. And once it starts, it keeps getting worse.

The good news: in most cases, the damage is reversible. The shine isn't gone. It's buried under layers of degraded gel coat that need to be removed and refined.

Before and after boat oxidation removal showing dramatic transformation

The level of work depends on how far the oxidation has progressed. Light oxidation responds to compound and polish. Heavy oxidation requires sanding first. I assess every boat individually and tell you exactly what level of correction is needed. No guessing, no cookie-cutter packages.

How Bad Is It? The Quick Test

Run your hand across the hull. What you feel tells you what's needed.

Light Oxidation

Dull but Smooth

Surface looks tired but feels smooth. Minor water spots and swirl marks visible. Water doesn't bead like it used to. The boat probably hasn't been waxed in a while, but no serious damage yet.

Treatment: Polish + sealant protection

$600 - $900 (25' boat)

Moderate Oxidation

Chalky and Textured

Visible chalky appearance. When you run your hand across the surface, you can feel slight texture or roughness. Color appears faded compared to protected areas. This is where most boats land.

Treatment: Compound + polish + protection

$1,000 - $2,000 (25' boat)

Heavy Oxidation

Heavy Chalk, Rough Surface

Thick chalk that transfers to your hand when touched. Surface feels rough or pitted. Color dramatically faded. Years of neglect or outdoor storage without protection. Standard correction alone won't cut through this.

Treatment: Wet sanding + compound + polish + protection

$2,500 - $5,000 (25' boat)

The Correction Process

1

Assessment

I examine your gel coat under proper lighting, checking oxidation depth, scratch patterns, and overall condition. This tells me exactly which correction steps are needed and what results to expect.

2

Decontamination

Full wash to remove surface grime. Chemical decontamination pulls out embedded particles. The surface has to be perfectly clean before correction begins.

3

Sanding (Heavy Oxidation Only)

Heavy oxidation requires mechanical removal. I dry sand through 600, 800, and 1000 grit to remove the damaged layer. Dry sanding lets me see exactly what's happening and control the cut. Then a final 1000 grit wet pass prepares the surface for compounding. This is where skill matters most.

4

Heavy Cut Compound

Rotary polisher with aggressive compound removes oxidation (and sanding marks if wet sanded). I use Starke Level-R or Blaze depending on severity. This step does the heavy lifting.

5

Medium Cut / Refining

Finer compound like Starke Elevate removes the haze left by heavy cutting. The gloss starts coming back here. Some boats need this step, some don't. Depends on gel coat hardness.

6

Finish Polish

Finish-R polish restores depth and clarity. This is where the mirror finish comes from. Proper pad selection and technique for your specific gel coat make the difference.

7

Protection

All that work needs to be protected. Sealant provides 3-6 months of defense. Ceramic coating extends that to 12-18 months for regularly used boats. Without protection, oxidation starts again immediately.

Oxidation Removal Packages

Prices shown are for a 25-foot boat. I'll assess your boat and recommend the right level of work. No upselling, just honest advice.

Detail & Protect (Light to Moderate Oxidation)

For boats where compound and polish can restore the finish without sanding.

Primer

Light Oxidation

$600 - $900

Includes:

  • Full exterior wash
  • Single-step polish
  • Hyper Hold sealant
  • 3-6 month protection

Best for: Annual refresh, boats in good condition

Most Popular

Catalyst

Moderate Oxidation

$1,000 - $1,600

Includes:

  • Full exterior wash
  • Two-step correction
  • Compound + finish polish
  • Premium sealant

Best for: Visible oxidation, boats overdue for correction

Ignition

Full Correction

$1,400 - $2,000

Includes:

  • Full exterior wash
  • Three-step correction
  • Heavy + medium + finish
  • Premium sealant
  • Swirl-free finish

Best for: Dark gel coat, perfect finish needed

Full Restoration (Heavy Oxidation)

For boats where sanding is required before compounding. Years of neglect, heavy chalk, outdoor storage.

Primer

Light Sand + Correction

$2,000 - $3,000

Includes:

  • Deep wash and decontamination
  • Light wet sanding (1000 grit)
  • Compound correction
  • Finish polish
  • Sealant protection

Best for: Moderate oxidation that won't cut through with compound alone

Full Restoration

Catalyst

Full Sand Sequence

$2,500 - $4,000

Includes:

  • Deep wash and decontamination
  • Dry sand (600-800-1000 grit)
  • Wet sand (1000 grit)
  • Multi-stage compound
  • Finish polish + sealant

Best for: Heavy oxidation, years of neglect

Ignition

Complete Transformation

$5,500 - $8,000

Everything in Catalyst, plus:

  • Two-coat Kraken ceramic
  • Interior refresh
  • Glass ceramic coating
  • 18-24+ month protection
  • Showroom finish

Best for: Total transformation, pride-and-joy boats

Add Ceramic Coating to Any Package

For long-term protection, add Starke Kraken ceramic coating: +$2,500 - $3,500 for 12-18 months of protection on regularly used boats.

Not sure which level you need? That's what the inspection is for. I'll look at your boat and tell you exactly what it needs. No pressure, just honest assessment.

After Correction: Keep It That Way

Correction removes years of damage, but without protection, oxidation starts again immediately. You have options for how long you want the results to last.

Marine Sealant

3-6 months protection

Good option if you're planning to sell or want a lower upfront cost. Reapply quarterly to maintain protection. I use Starke Hyper Hold Pro, which holds up better than standard sealants.

Ceramic Coating

12-18 months protection

The smart choice for long-term protection. Higher upfront cost, but dramatically less maintenance. I use Starke Kraken graphene ceramic. UV protection, hydrophobic surface, oxidation resistance built in.

Maintenance Plan

Ongoing protection

Monthly or bi-weekly wash with ceramic maintenance spray. I keep up the protection so you don't have to think about it. Just show up and enjoy your boat.

Common Questions

Can oxidized gel coat be restored?

In most cases, yes. Light to moderate oxidation responds well to compound and polish. Heavy oxidation requires sanding first: dry sand through 600, 800, and 1000 grit, then wet sand at 1000 before compounding. The only boats that can't be restored are those where the gel coat has worn completely through to the fiberglass. I can tell you what's possible after inspecting your boat.

How much does boat oxidation removal cost?

For a 25-30 foot boat, it depends on severity. Light oxidation (polish + sealant) runs $600-$900. Moderate oxidation (multi-step correction) is $1,000-$2,000. Heavy oxidation requiring wet sanding is $2,500-$5,000. I quote after inspection so you know exactly what you're paying for.

What causes gel coat oxidation?

UV rays from the sun are the primary cause. They break down the molecular structure of gel coat over time, causing it to fade, chalk, and lose gloss. Salt, pollution, and improper cleaning products accelerate the process. Boats stored outside without covers oxidize faster than those kept covered.

How long does the correction last?

The correction itself is permanent. You're removing damaged material, not covering it up. What needs maintenance is the protection layer. With sealant, expect 3-6 months. With ceramic coating, 12-18 months for regularly used boats, longer for boats that see less water time.

How do I know if my boat needs correction or full restoration?

Run your hand across the hull. If it feels smooth but looks dull, that's light oxidation, and correction will handle it. If you feel texture or chalk transfers to your hand, that's moderate to heavy oxidation. Heavy chalk and rough texture usually requires wet sanding before compounding. I assess every boat and tell you exactly what level of work is needed.

How long does the work take?

Light correction (polish + sealant) is a single day. Full correction with multiple stages takes 1-2 days. Heavy restoration requiring wet sanding is 2-4 days depending on severity. I don't rush the process because proper technique at each stage determines the final result.

Learn More About Gel Coat Restoration

How to Fix Oxidized Gel Coat: Complete Guide

Step-by-step process for restoring faded, chalky gel coat on fiberglass boats.

Read Article →

Let's See What We're Working With

Send me a few photos or let's schedule a quick inspection. I'll tell you exactly what your boat needs and what it'll cost. No pressure, no obligation.

Get a Quote (302) 853-2853

Starke Certified Installer • Mobile Service • Ocean City, MD & Eastern Shore