Newbie frustrated using Buff Magic

B

BillWilliams

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Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
RO Number
2904
Messages
279
I've never tried using any kind of compound before so I'm sure I am doing something wrong but it's frustrating.

I am using buff magic and am trying to put it on thin (based on what I've read in other posts here) by hand. It seems no matter what speed I run the buffer at, it is leaving residue and swirl marks. I've tried running at the lower speeds like 1400 clear up to around 2500 RPM. It does not seem to make a difference. At some points, the compound seems to gall up and I have to use a rag to get those spots out. I'm working on areas no larger than 3 x 3.

The pad I'm using is from NAPA. It's a wool pad, part 1215. According to the package, it's meant for compounding. I just finished cleaning the pad with woolite just to make sure there is nothing on the pad so I can try again after it dries.

Another thing I'm ending up with is a lot of little wool hairs as I work. I suppose this is normal but I thought I'd mention it.

Before I started, I washed the entire boat with a normal boat soap and let it dry overnight. No dawn dish washing soap or any type of chemicals.

One thing I'm wondering is if the previous polish I've always used, Nautical Ease, is causing a problem. It's a silicon based polish.

After all of this, for giggle, I tried Pro polish over what I working on and it did not help. It left a duller shine than the rest of the boat but I figure it's because of my problems applying buff magic.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Do no more than a 2 or 3 foot section at a time. Sounds like you are using too much product. You need to spur the pad when Buff Magic or any compound is building up on the pad. Keep the pad flat on the surface and you will get less swirl marks.
 
You may end up needing to use a foam pad to get out any swirl marks. Also I believe Buff Magic is a fine polish, so you may need to try a pad made for polishing and not compounding.
 
I agree .. sounds like you are using too much.
 
I just used it today for the first time on my 44' hull. Took a little getting used to - you need to let the buffer do the work - but it came out great!

I had a couple of places where I got the residue, I would wet the pad (just a sprinkle) and go over it and it would clear up.

You need to keep de-burring the pad.

I was skeptical, but seeing the results, I am now a convert!
 
Without seeing the boat, its hard to say what the problem is. To me it sounds like you are not working the BM in enough. Are you taking your time working the product in or are you just simply trying to get the product off the boat? The best I can explain it without actually showing you is to keep buffing in one small 1x1 section until you see clear/clean gelcoat.
 
Thanks. I'll try doing some smaller areas and make sure I'm using the least amount possible.

By the way, I'm using a paint stir stick to de-bur the pad. Is that okay? If it is, how often would I expect to need to de-bur the pad?
 
quote:
Originally posted by HOGAN

I just used it today for the first time on my 44' hull. Took a little getting used to - you need to let the buffer do the work - but it came out great!

I had a couple of places where I got the residue, I would wet the pad (just a sprinkle) and go over it and it would clear up.

You need to keep de-burring the pad.

I was skeptical, but seeing the results, I am now a convert!

Click to expand...


Your forgot to thank your Buff Magic mentor for showing you the light!
 
What buffer are you using? What speed?

You should have a few pads, once they get loaded up the will leave swirl marks.

Get the pad damp before you start, spin the pad to remove excess water, that helps.

I start the buffer off slow, work it in a small 2x2 area then speed up to finish it off.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Robyns Nest

quote:
Originally posted by HOGAN

I just used it today for the first time on my 44' hull. Took a little getting used to - you need to let the buffer do the work - but it came out great!

I had a couple of places where I got the residue, I would wet the pad (just a sprinkle) and go over it and it would clear up.

You need to keep de-burring the pad.

I was skeptical, but seeing the results, I am now a convert!

Click to expand...


Your forgot to thank your Buff Magic mentor for showing you the light!

Click to expand...


I did, on the HRCC forum!
 
You may have to go out to Ohio to give some lessons.
 
There is a tool for cleaning the pad. It has 3 small wheels on it. I think it is called a spur.
Use it when the pad is taking longer to cleanup the residue.
 
RN, I'm using a Makita buffer. I tried speeds from 1400 clear up to 2500 RPM.

I've cleaned up the pad and I'll try dampening the pad first.

Thanks
 
Put the BM on slowly at first work it in, then go at it at a higher speed.

Tell us how you do.
 
Make sure the area is real clean. Nothing worse than dirty wax/polish swirls.
 
Here are my results:

DSCN3021.jpg


DSCN3022.jpg


DSCN3028.jpg


 
I picked up a really nice Flex DA polisher today.

The tool is incredible. Blows the Porter Cable away in build quality (cost too) and functionality IMHO.

But I'm picky when it comes to polishing tools. I want to see how the Flex rotary looks too.

Hogan, did you do above the rubrail???
 
I believe you need to use a polisher (does not orbit) vs. an orbital buffer with buff magic. I thought I read that a buffer will leave swirl marks for some reason.
 
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