Buffing Gel Coat

[rman56]

I was going to start buffing our boat this weekend and wanted to know if 3M Super Duty rubbing compound is to aggressive for gel coat? Overall the gel coat is really nice and shiny but it has a few minor scuffs here and there.

Thanks

[Theath13]

I would start with a lighter grade and if needed go to a heavier grit compound. I would think a medium to light grade would work fine and then keep working down to a lighter grade and finish with a hand polish or swirl remover before a coat of wax.

[rman56]

Thanks, that's a good idea, it has a nice shine but a few spots we want to buff off.

[MaineDR]

I just used 3M Super Duty on my boat after I wet sanded. It does a really good job getting out wet sand scratches at about 1000 grit. I wouldn't use it on my whole boat unless it had some minor oxidization. You will have to polish after the 3m super duty as it will leave a slightly dull finish compared to showroom. I would use a lighter 3m rubbing compound on areas that need minor work and then finish with a polish. If you like Meguiars their 20m glaze would work well for this.

[Beg4wake]

I just used 3M Super Duty on my boat after I wet sanded. It does a really good job getting out wet sand scratches at about 1000 grit. I wouldn't use it on my whole boat unless it had some minor oxidization. You will have to polish after the 3m super duty as it will leave a slightly dull finish compared to showroom. I would use a lighter 3m rubbing compound on areas that need minor work and then finish with a polish. If you like Meguiars their 20m glaze would work well for this.

^^ this....I use the Meguires 105 followed by the 205 for my finishing polishes. They work great! Then wax!

[rman56]

Great , thanks

[ohiowake2]

While on topic of buffing. I have a 01 SAN. I have gotten the oxidation areas take care of but what can I do to get that shine back into the color and even the white again? Thanks in advance.

[MaineDR]

ohiowake2, what did you use to get rid of your oxidation? That will change how you make your next move. Its VERY important to have a variable speed polisher, an orbital buffer will not do the job and certainly not by hand. Even a cheaper harbor freight one will do a fairly decent job. Use a wool polishing pad to start with your rubbing compound of choice (depends on what you did to get rid of oxidation: use a compound with some grit like 3m perfect it, 3m super duty compound, or meguiars 100 something series for wet sand scratches, or a lighter compound/glaze you might find at an auto store for everything else) then move to a foam pad with a polish or the meguiars 200 series glaze mentioned above. Finish with a light hand cloth and some swirl remover, wash and wax.

[brit_hunsicker]

I second MaineDR on both comments!


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[ohiowake2]

MainDR. I did use the 3M perfect it and then it was a 3m glaze. I do have a variable speed polisher. Just seems like I should be able to get a better shine out of the white. My black and Red colors look great but the white doesn't seem to look as nice. Just wondering if I should do something different on the white to get a better shine. I may need to just get some new buffing pads and that might be the big difference.

[Beg4wake]

MainDR. I did use the 3M perfect it and then it was a 3m glaze. I do have a variable speed polisher. Just seems like I should be able to get a better shine out of the white. My black and Red colors look great but the white doesn't seem to look as nice. Just wondering if I should do something different on the white to get a better shine. I may need to just get some new buffing pads and that might be the big difference.

New pads could be a start. Take some pics also and post them here so we can see what the difference in finish is. May be able to help a little more.

[MaineDR]

White definitely doesn't reflect like other colors, but there was still a noticeable difference in mine after I was done. Use a clean pad, check your speed on the polisher. Make sure you are using a systematic 'grid' like approach with the polisher. Sounds like you have all the right tools though. What glaze did you specifically use? Could just need a nice coat of polymer sealer and wax to finish it off?

[ohiowake2]

Boat is in winter storage. I use the 3M Marine Finesse It with the 3M rubbing compound and then usually was and put a coat of wax on.

[Evening Shade]

Ditto on the 3M Finesse It. I've had great luck with it.

[Beg4wake]

You did the compound first right?! Then the Finesse It? I'm assuming you did and just typed it in that order....just wanna make sure.