wax on, wax off

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Dec 13, 2006
68
Beneteau 323 Milwaukee
Up to this point I have always waxed my boat by hand. I tried a buffer once but either I bought too cheap a buffer or the pads were too cheap. This year I plan to wax my boat with collinite (first time using it). It is suggested to use an electric buffer. Any advice on the type to buy, size, brand, type of pad or any other tips?
 

JerryA

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Oct 17, 2004
550
Hunter Hunter 170 Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie
I used the fleet wax this year. Wow! It still looks great after hauled and power washed!

JerryA
 
Jun 3, 2004
890
Hunter 34 Toronto, Ontario Canada
I am a big fan of Collinite. I use the Collinite Cleaner first- more work but you will be surprised at how much grime it takes off. It supposedly provides a base for the wax to adhere bette. I apply and polish by handr
 

BobM

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Jun 10, 2004
3,269
S2 9.2A Winthrop, MA
I think that the Makita wins hands down, but is about $300. A cheap one won't work at all. They just stall when you bear down on them. I know this because I bought one :-(
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,760
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
I've found it is best applied by hand then buffed off with a Microfiber cloth. Do not let Collinite or any carnuba based wax dry all the way before wiping it off. With Collinite #885 a spritz or mist of water when applying it makes for a very easy waxing experience. Contrary to popular belief, & what Practical Sailor says of Collinite #885 (of course they applied it incorrectly), Collinte #885 is one of the easiest waxes to apply & remove if done in the right manner.

In concours quality show cars carnuba waxes are applied with bare fingers, spritz of water, and then buffed off with microfiber rags or special chamois type cloths but microfibers have taken over the show car detailing world.

I sometimes apply with bare fingers but it can get tiring on a 30+ footer and a foam applicator covers more surface area faster. You can do bare fingers or hand apply using a round foam (Meguiars type), microfiber or terry cloth applicator. Either way will work and yield a longer lasting finish than machine application/removal.
 

kenn

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Apr 18, 2009
1,271
CL Sandpiper 565 Toronto
Wow, Maine Sail, your response in a previous thread (linked by biggio) with that very detailed polishing info is awesome! Thanks!

Our boat is 28 years old and among her issues, the exterior has been quite neglected. I've fixed all the more serious issues, including replacing some rotted bulkheads, and refinishing or replacing the brightwork, so my goal for next year's launch is to restore and polish the badly oxidized gelcoat and rebed all deck hardware. She may have been polished once or twice in her lifetime, but I'm certain she's never had a full restoration with wetsanding and rubbing compound.
 
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