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Oxidation removal

The Arkansas sun chalks gelcoat faster than owners expect, and Lake Ouachita's clear water reflects UV straight back at the hull. Our cut-and-polish brings dull, faded finishes back to gloss.

Compound & Wax: est. $18-28 /ftOxidation Removal: est. $25-40 /ft

Buffing compound being worked into a faded boat hull

Two levels of correction

Light chalking comes back with a single-step compound & wax at est. $18-28 /ft. The gelcoat is cut just enough to remove the dead layer, then sealed.

Heavy fade needs true oxidation removal at est. $25-40 /ft: a multi-step compound and polish that works through the chalk to sound gelcoat. On a 24-foot boat, heavy correction runs about $600-960.

After correction we seal the finish, with wax for a season of protection or ceramic for several. Both figures are estimates; the written quote is final.

What owners ask about oxidation removal

How do I know if my boat is oxidized?

The gelcoat looks dull and chalky, water no longer beads, and a wipe with a clean rag leaves color on the rag. Under Arkansas sun this is the most common thing we correct on Lake Ouachita boats.

Can heavy oxidation be fixed, or is it permanent?

Most of it comes back. A multi-step compound and polish cuts through the chalked layer to restore gloss. Deep chalking takes more passes, which is why heavy correction is priced above a compound & wax.

What happens after the oxidation is removed?

We seal it. Wax buys a season of protection; ceramic buys several and slows the next round of oxidation dramatically. Correction without protection just starts the clock again.

Straight answers

How much is oxidation removal on Lake Ouachita?

Heavy oxidation removal runs est. $25-40 /ft; a 24-foot boat is roughly $600-960. Lighter correction as a compound & wax is est. $18-28 /ft. Estimates only; the written quote is final.

Why do boats oxidize so fast in Arkansas?

Clear water reflects UV back up at the hull, and Arkansas summers are long and bright. Gelcoat chalks and fades faster here than owners expect, without any salt involved.

Should I ceramic coat after oxidation removal?

It is the best moment to. Once the finish is corrected, ceramic locks the gloss in and pushes the next correction years out instead of seasons.

Get a written quote

Three quick fields plus the boat. Every figure on this site is an estimate; the written quote we send back is the actual price.

Prefer email? lakeouachitaboatdetailing@gmail.com works too. Our crew is mobile across Lake Ouachita: marina slip, lift, trailer or driveway.

Get a quote