Clean, polish, & wax question

H

Humbucker427

Member
exMember
Joined
Jul 28, 2007
RO Number
27798
Messages
96
Bearing in mind that this seems like a stupid question, and having done a good bit of searching on the subject, I have a question about the process.

When doing all of the above steps, do I wash with Dawn (or equivalent) in between some of the steps? I'll explain...

I have a boat that doesn't seem to have any major oxidation, but it has lost some of it's shine on the topside that the sun hits the most. That area has gotten white, but not chalky yet.

My understanding is I will need to use a cleaner (like Meguiars Color Restorer) to remove the top layer of "white", then use a polish (like Meguiars No.45 Polish) and then a wax. Do I wash again after the "cleaner" stage? Meguiars says the "polish" stage is what restores the natural oils, etc, to the gelcoat. So would I need to remove any residue from the "cleaner" stage before applying the polish?

I've been a bit confused on the subject. It appears to be quite different from a typical car. :)

Thanks!
 
Buy/use Buff Magic to restore the gel cote followed by a good polish or sealer. Many thread validating my thoughts about how great Buff Magic works.

Apply Buff Magic with a rotary buffer, wool bonnet, and the boat will look great.

You can wash with Dawn first if you like, no need to wash with dawn between steps.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Dusty Rhoads

Dosen't Dawn strip anything you put on after washing with it ?
Click to expand...


It does, and that's why I was asking. If the "cleaner" stage just cleans, then shouldn't I remove all I can before the polish stage that actually restores the natural oils, etc?

It's probably a moot point anyway, since I've been reading all the Buff Magic threads. I think I'm going to give the Buff Magic/Pro Polish treatment a whirl! :)
 
Jake,
I'm going the same route after I saw pics of Kenny's '88 Carver (mine is an '89)
 
Jake, cleanliness is key to many of the polising processes, but Meguiars polish is somewhat unique. Have you tried it yet? Unlike products such as Buff Magic or Finesse-It which use various levels of abrasion to accomplish the shine and benefit greatly from a clean surface and clean pads, Meguiars polish goes on like a tinted suntan oil. I don't recommend spending much time cleaning the surface before smearing it on, because it makes a mess all on its own.

Their 3-step process is capable of very good results, but I stopped using it a few years ago after being frustrated by how the polish leaves color behind.

I'm also a fan of Buff Magic, but after a go-over last year, I don't even carry it on the boat. Its job is done. My maintenance method is Finesse-It, applied with on a wool pad with a low-speed rotary and spray bottle of water. Once the technique is perfected, Finesse-It can be used safely and easily to take a Buff Magic finish to the next, and perhaps final level before applying a layer of your favorite protecting/enhancing product.
 
I too would vote for Buff Magic followed by Pro Polish. I have done the compounding / polish / wax thing in the past and from my experience Buff Magic yields better results for low to moderate oxidation as you are describing. If he oxidation is severe, then Heavy Duty (red) compound as a first step. But from what you described I doubt you need that.
 
divedaddy, What is "Heavy Duty (red) compound? is this a product by Yacht Brite?

Erik
 
By heavy duty (red) compound I mean a traditional rubbing compound, such as 3M Heavy Super Duty Compound. These were typically red/orange from the abrasive used. They tend to discolor white gelcoat, which is why a final polishing with something like Finesse It II is needed. The final polish also perfects the surface. You really don't want to go that route unless you need it. Use nothing more abrasive than actually needed.

edit - I had the proper name wrong, it's 3M Super Duty Compound.
 
So everyone that used Buff Magic did you wash the boat first with Dawn or did you just use a mild boat soap?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top