Something a little more abrasive than Fleetwax ...?

Gene Neill

Gene Neill

.
Sep 30, 2013
3,602
1988 Catalina 22 North Florida
I love Collinite Fleetwax, but it has so little (if any) abrasive qualities, I need to prep the surface with something else first. The gelcoat is in good condition; I didn't realize there was any oxidation until I applied some Fleetwax and saw it come shining through.

I have some Meguiar's (automotive) wax which is abrasive enough, could I start with that and then top coat with Fleetwax? Or is that a bad idea?

I also have some Presta Ultra cutting cream, but I feel like that is a bit more abrasive than I need.

Suggestions? Offers to come help? :biggrin:
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

.
Feb 26, 2004
23,081
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Cleaner wax combinations have the light grit you're looking for, but I've always felt that one is just pushing dirt around with those combo mixes. And putting good wax on top of that would be even worse.
I would try to find some fine grit compounding material, use that first and then use the Fleetwax.
I forget what Maine Sail recommended in his classic hull wax article, but probably a heavier first step than what you have in mind.
Good luck. I only wish I was in a position (or at least my fiberglass) to need to find something "softer." :cool:
 
D

dlochner

.
Jan 11, 2014
13,063
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Collinite Cleaner is a mild abrasive with a good chemical cleaner. The abrasive is milder than that found in 3M Cleaner Wax. I've used it for years with good results.
 
  • Like
Likes: BobSail and Gene Neill
MikeHoncho

MikeHoncho

.
Dec 28, 2015
1,911
Laser, Hunter H30 Cherubini Tacoma
Meguiars Wax doesn't have abrasives unless it is a cleaner combo. For really light oxidation on gelcoat I would recommend Meguiars fine cut, followed by Meguiars Ultra Finish Polish then wax. I'd use the cut on areas with oxidation then use the polish on everything. If the fine doesn't cut it then move to medium. I've gotten away with medium then polish but if you really have to grind on it or if it is a dark color then you may have to do a round of fine after the medium then polish. The Ultra Finish makes the gelcoat really pop.
 
BigEasy

BigEasy

.
Jun 21, 2004
2,943
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Try 3M Finesse-it polish followed by Collinite Fleetwax. Mainesail recommends it as an alternative to Presta products. I have used it many times after compounding, as a polish, prior to using fleetwax. Works nicely if the hull is not heavily oxidized. Finesse-it is a fairly popular polish in the automotive repair and marine business and is readily available.
Sorry, no can do, on the help end. Compounding, polishing, & waxing is the most hated job on the boat that I do, not to mention that It takes quite a bit of Ibuprofen to get me through the ordeal!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom