ATF to polish boat?

[TwoWatt]

Ok. Someone recently told me that to renew the shine on my old boat to use some ATF & use it very very sparingly on a regular cloth rag & it would work.<br />He said if I can feel an "oily" feeling on the boat that I'm using too much. <br />Anyone ever try this? He said it worked.......<br /><br /><br />(sorry I don't know about the boat, early 70's fiberglass? fishing boat. Gelcoat? Who knows..... I could post a picture)

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

Thats a new one on me!

 

[NathanY]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

It works good to take the oxidized paint off, but you will still need to wax it afterwards.

 

[datawire]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

Darn SkunkedAgain, I thought you had a plan to get agents from Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms to come and polish boats for free.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

Originally posted by Big Daddy Nate from AR:<br /> It works good to take the oxidized paint off, but you will still need to wax it afterwards.

NOT It takes nothing off, it just penetrates the oxidation and makes it look shinny again, If you are looking for a temporary fix, use an acryilic floor polish with a foam brush, it will take abour three to four coats to acheive a good shine. It will last all season and can be removed with an amonia detergent solution, and its not oily, and doesnt smell like ATF, YUK!!

 

[eeboater]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

OK I'm missing it -- what does ATF stand for?<br /><br />Sean

 

[gsbodine]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

Automatic Transmission Fluid, here as usual I would presume, though I've never heard of this kinda thing.

 

[delta breeze]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

Whats the effect of an oil soaked hull sitting in your area lakes??Minmal effect I'm sure but I don't see Turtle wax offering ATF fluid to "shine yuor boat?Just my opinion.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

Did this one time, only w/brake fluid. Bought an old fishing boat in the fall for $300. It was light green and oxidized well. In the spring I wiped it down lightly with the brake fluid, and sold it for $650. I suspect the cosmetic fix didn't last long. However, it looked better than when I bought it, plus the crappie were biting.

 

[Bondo]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

Rubbing Any Old Oxidized Paint, or Gelcoat with a Grease Rag will Look Great............<br />For a Couple Days......... Weeks MayBe.......

 

[Maximerc]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

WD40 works too spray it on wipe it good for a day or two

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

Thanks Iboaters for all your comments. <br />I had never thought about the effects of using ATF on my boat & then dunking my boat in the water. I'm sure any temporary shine it would produce would be only that ...temporary. <br />I did buy some 3M Restorer & Wax earlier in the year but I'm just too lazy to do the job (that & most of my free time I'm out fishing ). <br />Winter is coming. <br />I'll find someone with a heated garage & do it right. <br />Thanks again. <br />Skunked

 

[Mark42]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

I had to restore a nice shine to my badly oxydized finish. Made some posts about how I did it and the results. These links my be of help:<br /><br /> http://www.mfgboats.com/messageboard/showmessage.asp?messageID=2125 <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=26;t=001804#000000 <br /><br />PS, ATF is nasty stuff. It may stain, soften or otherwise make restoration impossable. Stay away from it.

 

[detailer]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

I wouldn't use ATF unless the gelcoat was gone and I was selling the boat. You know what, I wouldn't even use it then. If you can't color sand/buff/polish/wax it out it probably needs to be painted. Post some close ups of the paint.

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: ATF to polish boat?

My paint looks exactly like Mark42's before pics.<br />I think I'm going to follow Marks instructions & do it his way. <br />I just found a polisher at Harbor freight for $24.99.<br />I think I may try it this weekend. I'll be sure to post before/after pics.