Easily restore the gelcoat color on a canoe (a hack)

In this video I show you how easy it is to restore the original color of the gelcoat on a canoe which has been bleached out by UV radiation from the sunlight during unprotected outside storage using linseed oil.

[@Hambonedobro]

Thanks ! This worked wonderfully on a 34 year old (1988) Red, Mad River in Kevlar !

[@adambublitz975]

Used your method on my old Sawyer canoe- worked beautifully... Thanks!

[@jackgawel5710]

Thanks for your video. I've done this in the past with great results. I use tongue oil instead of linseed. It tries a little harder, does not yellow and a little more water resistant.

[@canoespirit]

Good tip! Thanks!

[@yesealex]

Good tip!

[@bobzuidema3560]

Great tip! Would you recommend this for new boats as well? As a precaution?

[@canoespirit]

No. I would not recommend that. You can apply 303 Airospace protectant for UV protection if you want. Storing it inside would be preferred, though.

[@rebas04]

How long before it should be washed? Or don’t bother?

[@canoespirit]

Depends on the Oil you use and the temperature. Some take several weeks to cure.

[@justinmichael007]

Does this do any damage to the plastic? Or the structural integrity of the plastic?

[@canoespirit]

Haven't had any problems on composite hulls.

[@jorjito5587]

I assume you are using boiled linseed oil?

[@canoespirit]

That is correct!

[@jorjito5587]

@@canoespirit thanks!

[@johnm671]

Good hack, but it only lasted about 3 weeks.

[@canoespirit]

It depends on the oil you use and the temperature how long it takes to fully cure. If it is used too soon, it does not last very long.

[@user-tw2li9tp1m]

I like that he mentions wiping down his guns with it. Guns and canoes, sounds like a good day to me.

[@canoespirit]

Sorry my friend. It was 'gunwales', the part of a canoe. No guns to wipe down here.

[@wywybulldog3785]

Does this work on Royalex?

[@michaelwilliams9314]

That is a good question, I would really like to know if it does work !

[@gemwebb]

Makes me want to try it.

[@canoespirit]

Did not try but I would guess so.