What buffer speed?

[winter]

The previous dingbat owner of my Persuader thought he was doing the right thing by cleaning the gelcoat with heavy-cut cleaner then tossing wax over top of that. While he didn't go through to the glass, the boat is pretty dull on the top side. I bought several McGuires products, that being the mild cut cleaner, the polish and the better of the two marine waxes. I have a variable speed orbital buffer and have tried various techniques to bring the shine back. With the cleaner, do i run that in at slow or faster speeds? How about the polish? By hand, i was able to bring some degree of shine back, but that is really hard work. thanks in advance!

 

[ross]

the aqua-buff that i have gotten for my starflite says right on the dirrection that you must uae a buffer of 2500rpm minimum! i'm not sure for the compounds that you are using........hope that helps!

 

[Old Navy]

Try some 3M Finessit II. Do small areas, like 2X2 keeping the buffer at a medium speed and constantly moving. If you are happy with the finish, get all the grit off, then follow up with a quality marine wax like 3M or Maguire's Flagship. Car wax is not formulated for gelcoat and over time could cause yellowing.

 

[winter]

I bought all marine type products. although i'm sure the above mentioned products are verygood, i don't know that i'll be investing any more in cleaners/polish. I'd think the McGuiers is good enough and if it won't produce a nice shine, nothing will.

 

[Mr. Buss]

good call old navy, that 3m stuff is awesome!!

 

[Rob B]

I bought all marine type products. although i'm sure the above mentioned products are verygood, i don't know that i'll be investing any more in cleaners/polish. I'd think the McGuiers is good enough and if it won't produce a nice shine, nothing will.

Winter,
The reason you aren't getting good results are from two things; first you need to get a decent buffer, the orbital buffer isn't good for gelcoats. Second it depends on how bad your gelcoat is on whether you need to wetsand it or not. Do a search for aqua buff, you'll find before and after pictures using this product as well as what kind of buffer to use. I bought mine from northern tools:http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200319667_200319667 I promise you'll not regret getting aqua-buff it make a beleiver out of me. Good luck.

 

[jallen355]

I have a spare 7" high speed buffer if you want to save a few $$. It's a Black & Decker in good working order. I'll dig it up and take some pics if you like.

I've never used the Aquabuff, but haven't heard anything but good about it. I CAN tell you the whole 3M Finese It line is great stuff.

 

[ross]

jallen- can u dig it up for me? i'm looking for a high speed buffer that is more than 2500rpm.........PM me!!!!!

 

[jallen355]

PM sent

 

[winter]

I think i got it figured out FWIW, i may have been wrong with calling it an orbital buffer. It's simply a variable speed buffer that spins in a perfect circle. anyway, using the mild-cut compound/cleaner, I apply a small amount to the pad (1" wool nap) and spread it carefeully at the lowest speed. then i run it up to middle speed and finish off with a run at the highest speed until the product is nearly dry. At all times, i'm using rather light pressure and not using the hard edge of the pad. I then wipe it off with a terry cloth towel. The result is excellent with no hazing or streaks. Tomorrows project is doing the same thing with a new pad and polish, then a coat of wax or two. Oh, and gotta keep the pad fluffed up and hit it with the edge of a dull screwdriver to whip off the packed in compound.