try and save the gel-coat finish . paint is only 2-5 mills thick and gel-coat can be as high as 15-20 mills. now you could do a lot of sanding on that surface but be careful around edges. providing you are not repairing any chips or scratched areas you should be able to save your gel-coat. start out with 400 or 600 wet sand paper. then go to 1500 and finish with 3000. then compound and polish.
ok here is the deal buy a 3m or finesse kit a little costly but well worth it!!!!!!!!!!!! you get the 1500 and 3000 on a Velcro pad along with the proper compound and polish. yes you need a 6 inch orbital sander. read and follow instructions from kit and you will be happy to see what you did.
when you start sanding only go till the surface is clean and smooth. stains or very light scratches could be removed safely. then use the polishing kit available from a auto body paint supply store. good luck take your time experiment on a small area first so you get the hang of it then go from there.
