Shiny!
- Thread starter ROBERTH
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2006
- Messages
- 3,027
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- Location
- Berea, KY/Cross, SC
- Model
- Seafarer
Now I feel the pressure! Have had some very nice weather to take advantage of so far this January. Been in the 60-70's. As of this weekend, will take a dip to act like January. But who knows, even in the upper 40's to 50's, can still get some polishing done! 
What's your secret??? LOL
I'm in the middle of reconditioning a neglected gelcoat on my hull, and would really appreciate and tips or advise on your steps to get that lustre.
Incredible!
Thx for sharing~
I'm in the middle of reconditioning a neglected gelcoat on my hull, and would really appreciate and tips or advise on your steps to get that lustre.
Incredible!
Thx for sharing~
Thanks Fishtales, yeah, you have to stay after it once done to this level, but that is my issue, never have time during the season to keep up with it! So back to the polishing.
Leeccoll, here is what I have found to work the best for me so far.
I start off with the cutting compound. Best I have found is here:
majesticsolutions.com
Using this compound with slowest polisher speed, working the compound evenly in an area back and forth until the compound starts to disappear, then I speed up the polisher to finalize the area worked which helps to clean the wool polishing pad for the next area to work.
This compound is spread with a paint brush over the area as you see them do on many of the youtube videos for how to polish with a compound. I like this brand since it does not clog and last a very long time before the pad needs to be cleaned.
After I get the gloss I am looking for, then I use the Shurhold Pro Polish which seems to hold up the best/longest over all the others I have tried. It is also the easiest to remove. There are others that work well, but this one seems to work the best for me so far.
I clean my wool pads with the Shurhold Serious Pad Cleaner mix in a bucket. Soak as directed for 15 or more minutes, then rinse all the compounds out of it with the water hose nozzle. Drip/sling excess water and then put back on the polisher and start off slow speed to sling the water from the pad. Then move to high speed and run it for a few seconds. Watch out, as it might come loose and fly across the yard, but this is the fastest/best way to dry the pad. It is actually just slightly moist after doing this and can use it right away again if you find you overused compound and got it clogged up.
Leeccoll, here is what I have found to work the best for me so far.
I start off with the cutting compound. Best I have found is here:
VIBRA CUT 1000 - Majestic Solutions Auto Detail Products
VIBRA CUT 1000 Is a synthetic, aggressive, non-silicone heavy-duty high-gloss compound designed for machine application. Formulated to remove 1000 grit sand scratches, heavy oxidation and water spots in automotive paint coatings - both foreign and domestic. Extremely user-friendly. Incredible...
majesticsolutions.com
Using this compound with slowest polisher speed, working the compound evenly in an area back and forth until the compound starts to disappear, then I speed up the polisher to finalize the area worked which helps to clean the wool polishing pad for the next area to work.
This compound is spread with a paint brush over the area as you see them do on many of the youtube videos for how to polish with a compound. I like this brand since it does not clog and last a very long time before the pad needs to be cleaned.
After I get the gloss I am looking for, then I use the Shurhold Pro Polish which seems to hold up the best/longest over all the others I have tried. It is also the easiest to remove. There are others that work well, but this one seems to work the best for me so far.
I clean my wool pads with the Shurhold Serious Pad Cleaner mix in a bucket. Soak as directed for 15 or more minutes, then rinse all the compounds out of it with the water hose nozzle. Drip/sling excess water and then put back on the polisher and start off slow speed to sling the water from the pad. Then move to high speed and run it for a few seconds. Watch out, as it might come loose and fly across the yard, but this is the fastest/best way to dry the pad. It is actually just slightly moist after doing this and can use it right away again if you find you overused compound and got it clogged up.
Thank you ROBERTH,
After finishing up my wet sanding of the hull, I was going to use 3M Super Duty compound next, but I will try the Vibra Cut instead.
With the Shurhold DA, do you use speed #1 then move up to #3?
Appreciate all the tips, it's great to have help in the learning curve
Lee
After finishing up my wet sanding of the hull, I was going to use 3M Super Duty compound next, but I will try the Vibra Cut instead.
With the Shurhold DA, do you use speed #1 then move up to #3?
Appreciate all the tips, it's great to have help in the learning curve
Lee
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For the heavy cut compound, I use a normal 7" Polisher. DA never seems to do the same result. You can get one with a coupon from Harbor Freight for usually around $30 or so which I have 2 of these and have used them for years. They are ok and do the job, but will be going for the Dewalt model shortly since I like to run at slowest speed to do the cutting and the HF models don't always comply at that speed.
I do use the Shurhold DA for the Pro Polish with their black applicator pad, then remove it with the Reggae Pad which is quite remarkable how it works to remove the dried polish and cleans itself as it goes. Then I always follow up with a cotton towel to ensure all polish is removed.
I do use the Shurhold DA for the Pro Polish with their black applicator pad, then remove it with the Reggae Pad which is quite remarkable how it works to remove the dried polish and cleans itself as it goes. Then I always follow up with a cotton towel to ensure all polish is removed.
Lee, an update worth mention....if you want the finish to really pop, use a Finishing compound after the cutting compound. I went back over some of the areas that seems a bit cloudy in the reflection with some Total Boat Finishing compound I had not yet tried out and it was pretty darn good! The cloudiness was gone and the gloss started to pop again. However, this makes the process 2 steps of polishing before the wax, but the results are worth it.
I am sure any of the finishing compounds are good, this is just a bottle I had purchased last year and had not yet had the chance to try it out.
I think I will give one of the Majestic finishing compounds a try as I didn't like how the Total Boat did not dry up like I would have liked. It might have been due to the colder temps though. However, on the same day, the Vibra cut dried to a powder pretty quickly and was easy to work with. Hoping that Majestic might have same formula with a finer grit with their finishing compound.
I am sure any of the finishing compounds are good, this is just a bottle I had purchased last year and had not yet had the chance to try it out.
I think I will give one of the Majestic finishing compounds a try as I didn't like how the Total Boat did not dry up like I would have liked. It might have been due to the colder temps though. However, on the same day, the Vibra cut dried to a powder pretty quickly and was easy to work with. Hoping that Majestic might have same formula with a finer grit with their finishing compound.
I have seen several methods and compounds work. My 1984 seafarer was really chalked out. I spent some time on her this winter with a pneumatic polisher (3") in detail areas and with my HD Milwaukee on the hull. I use the 3M products. I am happy with the results.
Here is a link to the 3" polisher I used and the compounds. My boat is at ~3:10 into the video.
I love seeing folks bringing older boats back to life!
Here is a link to the 3" polisher I used and the compounds. My boat is at ~3:10 into the video.
I love seeing folks bringing older boats back to life!
Thanks for the schooling on this....I will pick up a 7" polisher. I guess I was looking for an easy quick fix, now I am managing my expectations different on this project. I don't mind spending the time to get it done correctly, but I hate wasting time, so it's a delicate balance.
Yeah I bought some 3m Finesse-it II glaze to finish, then will apply a coat of wax after that.
Honestly, I will be happy to get half of your sheen when I am through with this
Thanking you again for taking the time to help me out and share your process~