Best finish products/ techniques

[ArtificialReef]

I have been looking at a lot of different products trying to figure out which would be best to clean, polish and generally make my new-to-me boat look good again. I just got her and she needs some TLC. Which techniques, work best on fiberflass to clean protect and shine? Any suggestions on what you all use would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RichH]

Depending on how thick the gelcoat is ......

....the BEST way to shine up the hull/topsides is:1. use a caustic stripper to remove all oxidized dead wax in the pores of the gelcoat. 2. powerbuff ( variable high-speed autobody shop polisher) with successively finer and finer grits of fiberglass power buffing compound (3M) .... being careful not to 'burn' the gelcoat or not burn though sharp edges. Sometimes wet sanding with 1000->1300->2000 grit wet&dry paper to remove the surface oxidation is necessary before power buffing. Use real Lambswool buffing bonnets and never mix/change grits on a bonnet. 3. Waxing with a carnauba (Collinite Fleet wax is the longest lasting) to seal the pores and prevent oxidation. 4. Yearly caustic stripping and rewaxing - with very 'light' powerbuff. Additonal mid-season quick-wax when water doesnt 'bead-up' .... gotta keep those pores sealed. the powerbuffing is the process thats used to 'polish' a hull when its pulled from its mold ... to get that 'showroom' shine. Gelcoat is quite thick on most boats and unless the gelcoat is alligatored (from neglect) or too thin can be powerbuffed again and again. Once you maintain the strip and wax schedule the boat will keep its shine and luster. All it takes is a little 'sweat-equity' and a boat can last 30+ years looking like it just came from the showroom.

 

[Larry Wilson]

Caustic Stripper?

Rich,Can you give an example of a specific "caustic stripper" ? I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

 

[ArtificialReef]

Thank you

Thank you. ditto on the caustic stripper example, and this is exactly what I was looking for.Thanks again.