sprucing up a dull gel coat?

[lakesailer]

I have seen several You tube vids about how to get some gloss back into an old dull gel coat, most are ads for products so I was wondering if there is any secret beyond sanding with 2000 grit wetdry sandpaper and then buffing out with rubbing compound of some kind?

 

[mixmkr]

carefully use some #800 first...then #1500 or so. A good compound will take out the scratches after that. #2000 is pretty fine. If you can find "Aqua Buff"...it is incredible and I use it all the time on gelcote repairs. I usually stop sanding after #600 grit and the compound takes over after that. I buy gallons for $50, but I can get quarts or pints I think. Another good compound is 3M one step restorer. It's a good compound and has wax in it too, so it's a one step process.
My gelcote on my 69 Sunfish was fairly dirty looking. Sanding didn't really bring back the "new" white color but it sure is shiny now.