Washing/Compound and Polishing

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Rick D

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Oct 15, 2010
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32381
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Hello all.

What soap would others recommend to clean the exterior hull of a boat prior to compounding? I've read online that you need to be careful not to use anything too strong that might damage gelcoat.

My boat is 14 years old and is showing general oxidation throughout... what compound would recommend?

Finally, what polish should I finish the boat off with?

Thanks,

--Rick
 
Dawn to strip off any old wax. Then, Buff Magic with a rotary buffer (NOT ORBITAL), and then Pro Polish or Rejex.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gregory S

Then, Buff Magic with a rotary buffer (NOT ORBITAL),

Click to expand...


Hi Gregory.

Why not orbital? I have a car orbital polisher I was thinking of using. I believe it's orbital.

--Rick
 
I don't think any soap would be too harsh if the gelcoat is oxidized. Wash it, rinse it, and dry it. Buff Magic or any other compound will cut right thru any wax. From Shurhold's website "Do not use a dewaxer, the Buff Magic will cut right through it."
 
I've always used Collinite Fiberglass cleaner for my first step after a basic washing with boat soap.
 
There is a place called Gibbons Fiberglass and Aluminum Boat Repair in Bismark, ND who uses nothing but Flitz on the boats they repair. I called them and asked about it assuming I was going to get a response on how it worked on metal. NOPE! They raved about it. They use it on every boat they repair, fiberglass or aluminum. According to the lady I was talking to, they "Slop some on the boat right out of the can, use a wool bonnett on an orbital buffer and do a 4 square foot section at a time. They wash the wool bonnett, dry it out and use the same one for Flitz wax which goes on like hand cream." She said it lasts all season which I found out in North Dakota is about 4 months.

I have some flitz in the garage. I may try a small section on Saint Max and see how it works.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Rick D

quote:
Originally posted by Gregory S

Then, Buff Magic with a rotary buffer (NOT ORBITAL),

Click to expand...


Hi Gregory.

Why not orbital? I have a car orbital polisher I was thinking of using. I believe it's orbital.

--Rick

Click to expand...


You could try the orbital if you want and might be happy with the results, but I've found that my Flex 3401 orbital can't come close to my Makita 9227 rotary when it comes to correction, or performance in general.
The orbital does very little on my gelcoat.
The orbital might be fine for very light work, but it takes just as much effort to use an orbital as it does to use a rotary. If you get better results with the rotary, why waste time with the orbital?
I love the Flex for use on my cars, but for the much tougher gelcoat on my boat I prefer the rotary.
 
quote:
Originally posted by JVM225

You could try the orbital if you want and might be happy with the results, but I've found that my Flex 3401 orbital can't come close to my Makita 9227 rotary when it comes to correction, or performance in general.
The orbital does very little on my gelcoat.
The orbital might be fine for very light work, but it takes just as much effort to use an orbital as it does to use a rotary. If you get better results with the rotary, why waste time with the orbital?
I love the Flex for use on my cars, but for the much tougher gelcoat on my boat I prefer the rotary.

Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. Just purchased a $40 rotary polisher off Harbour Freight that got decent reviews. Will be busy this weekend.

--Rick
 
good move Rick. An orbital will not remove much oxidation. You need the rotary to do it right. I use wool pads and 1/2 to 3/4 speed on the buffer. Do 2 to 3 foot section at a time. I apply the Buff Magic to that area by hand with a foam applicator pad and then work it with the buffer. Wipe off any residue (won't be much), then apply to the next section.
 
I've heard decent things about the HF rotary. You should be fine with it for use once or twice a year on the boat. If it dies on you it's cheap enough to replace it.
I have the Makita because I use it more often.
It's hard to mess up the gelcoat on your boat with a rotary. You'd just about have to beat the surface with the thing to screw it up. Stay away from your car with the rotary though. The finish on the car is not nearly as durable as the boat's. Stick with the orbital on the cars until you get real good with the rotary.
 
quote:
Originally posted by KiDa

I have some flitz in the garage. I may try a small section on Saint Max and see how it works.

Click to expand...


Flitz does work. But it's not cheap.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

quote:
Originally posted by KiDa

I have some flitz in the garage. I may try a small section on Saint Max and see how it works.

Click to expand...


Flitz does work. But it's not cheap.

Click to expand...


Agree. However if I put a price on time....

Friends have used BM/PP and the process was ~4 days for a 35 footer. If Flitz cuts the time in 1/2 as far as I am concerned, that's a couple of more days on the water.
 
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