Buff Magic vs 3M Finesse-it

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bobn

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OK, so it's not time to start washing the boat but....

Last year I purchased a boat that was neglected for the past two years and hired it buffed. The guy used 3-M Finesse-It and followed up with a polish. This brought back the shine and luster. I intend to start doing the upkeep myself this year, but I have several questions. Since this is a 37 footer I want to to do it right the first time.
I read several post about Buff Magic. I'd like to know how it compares to 3M's Finesse-It.

Another question regarding Buff Magic or Finesse-It. Should they be used once a season?
I can't seem to find anything that gives an indication how often to use it.

Lastly, I think Buff Magic is best applied with a rotary buffer and the Pro Polish is best applied with an orbital buffer. Is this correct?

Thanks for all opinions.
 
I've never used buff magic but I do use
Finesse-it II. I have 1989 gelcoat that needs attention and I follow this procedure. Wipe down all gellcoat with Muratic Acid. Use Porter Cable DA buffer #7424 with a green cutting pad and buff entire boat with 3M heavy duty oxidation remover, let haze and wipe clean with cloth towels, Buff entire boat with Finesse-it II with yellow finishing pad, let haze and wipe clean with cloth towels, apply Zaino polymer wax 2 coats by hand and buff to shine. I am happy with the results. That's it for the season.

autogeek_2034_11879700
 
I assume you dilute the muratic acid, if so how much?

Regarding the wax, is it a true wax or is it similiar to Pro Polish?

Thanks for the reply
 
Just 50-50 water and Muratic Acid, clean towel in left hand and Muratic/water rag in the right hand. As for the Wax, it's a polymer.. here's a link to the Zaino website. The reason I use Zaino is I have a problem with black streaks and if I use Zaino, it's easier to get them off.

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc
 
Will these products work on Awlgrip paint if so what polisher [buffer] is the recomended tool.Does it matter which type of pad is used?
Bert
 
I'd check with Awlgrip directly. Shouldn't have to apply anything to Awlgrip.
 
If your awlgrip finish is dull, you most likely need to re-paint. I've seen or heard of awlgrip getting rejuvenated with a polish or compound.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Robyns Nest

Why use acid on the gelcoat?

Click to expand...


It removes hard water spots. Toilet bowl cleaner does the same thing.
 
Bob,

To answer your original question, products like Buff Magic and 3M finesse-it only have to be used once a season. In fact, unless your gel coat needs to be polished, you can skip this step. Secondly, I've used both products and prefer the Buff Magic. I've used the Buff Magic for the last two seasons and then followed up with Pro Polish.

Any type of polishing compound like Buff Magic or Finesse-it needs to be applied with a rotary buffer. The randon orbit buffers like Porter Cable 7424, etc. do not develop sufficient heat to actually remove surface defects from the gel coat. You can apply the pro polish by hand vs machine and get an excellent finish.

I've used probably every type of wax/polish known to mankind on my boat and have decided to continue with Pro Polish. It does the best job. Many people use Zaino or Rejex. Neither of these products contain any cleaners and Rejex does not contain any UV inhibitors. Whereas, Pro Polish does. It will do an excellent cleaning job.

The problem with waxes is twofold: They contain solvents as the application vehicle and they soften up under heat and become sticky, thereby collecting dirt and grime. Applying two coats of wax does not afford you additional protection from the elements. The second coat of wax merely dissolves the first coat of wax. Two wax coats give you additional surface cleaning and that's it.

The polymer products like Zaino, Pro Polish, etc. build up a microspocic coating which will not degrade. They provide additional protection like waxes can't and they do not soften under heat.

Bob
 
Bob,

Thanks, that exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
 
Have any of you tried using Vitreo over Finesse-It or Buff Magic? It is a polymer much like ProPolish, but I am finding it gives a more brilliant shine and deeper reflection. It is also extremely good on light colored cars.
 
You absolutely can bring Awlgrip back by buffing and or polishing. Try an area with Finesse It first using something like the Porter Cable DA buffer before you use a more aggessive compound.

"It removes hard water spots."

In this case it pulls off the dried out gelcoat and prepares the surface for compounding.
 
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