Boat waxing

SAB1 · 05-14-2019, 08:31 PM

Try a random orbital with a good pad and try 3m finesse first. If it needs more a little rubbing compound and the go back to finesse followed by polish

Rich · 05-15-2019, 06:41 AM

Sometimes scratches may require some wet sanding, then compound and follow it with the polishing.

As said 3M "finesse it" is good, I've also had luck with Surhold "buff magic".

brk-lnt · 05-15-2019, 11:02 AM

You shouldn't cause any harm to the gelcoat with standard buffing/polishing, unless you have a very cheap boat with thinner-than-normal gelcoat.

A random orbital unit, an orange pad, and some Star brite PTEF would probably be my first approach in the scenario you described.

BroadHopper · 05-15-2019, 11:53 AM

Not exactly 'rocket science', common sense goes a long way!
Plenty of websites for tips and tricks, my fav is 'Detailed Image'.
3M has some excellent articles/videos on boat detailing. That would be my first go to.
If you have a brand new boat or if the finish is still glossy, the 3M finesse polish using a random orbiter will be the first step. The second step will be the sealer or wax. 3M make pretty good wax.
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...94857497&rt=r3
Personally I use Duragloss products. Available at Robbins Auto Parts on Union Ave in Laconia. The sealant lasts a good year, easy on and off. I use the quick detailer between waxing after a wash or rinse. Keeps the boat looking like it was just wax!

05-15-2019, 06:41 AM	#2
Rich Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Derry / Gilford Posts: 1,246 Thanks: 74 Thanked 345 Times in 235 Posts	Sometimes scratches may require some wet sanding, then compound and follow it with the polishing. As said 3M "finesse it" is good, I've also had luck with Surhold "buff magic". __________________ Don't listen to me, obviously I don't understand what I'm talking about! Let's help each other save time and money: WinniGas.com Last edited by Rich; 05-16-2019 at 07:17 AM.

05-15-2019, 11:02 AM	#3
brk-lnt Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Down Shores Posts: 1,944 Thanks: 544 Thanked 570 Times in 335 Posts	You shouldn't cause any harm to the gelcoat with standard buffing/polishing, unless you have a very cheap boat with thinner-than-normal gelcoat. A random orbital unit, an orange pad, and some Star brite PTEF would probably be my first approach in the scenario you described. __________________ [insert witty phrase here]

05-15-2019, 11:53 AM	#4
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,594 Thanks: 3,234 Thanked 1,110 Times in 798 Posts	Detailing Not exactly 'rocket science', common sense goes a long way! Plenty of websites for tips and tricks, my fav is 'Detailed Image'. 3M has some excellent articles/videos on boat detailing. That would be my first go to. If you have a brand new boat or if the finish is still glossy, the 3M finesse polish using a random orbiter will be the first step. The second step will be the sealer or wax. 3M make pretty good wax. https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...94857497&rt=r3 Personally I use Duragloss products. Available at Robbins Auto Parts on Union Ave in Laconia. The sealant lasts a good year, easy on and off. I use the quick detailer between waxing after a wash or rinse. Keeps the boat looking like it was just wax! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

05-14-2019, 08:31 PM	#1
SAB1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Tuftonboro Posts: 1,244 Thanks: 192 Thanked 329 Times in 239 Posts	Try a random orbital with a good pad and try 3m finesse first. If it needs more a little rubbing compound and the go back to finesse followed by polish