Best buffing compound or cleaner wax

[DeepCMark58A]

First fiberglass boat I ever owned it needs a buffing. I have a smaller buffer 6" or so any advice on bonnets and compound would be appreciated.

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

Here's what I use at work. Pads adjacent to their respective buffing compounds, corse left to finest right.

 

[Cali_Boat_Guy]

Cool, thanks for the photo. Is the TR-309 heavier cut than the Pace product? What do you use the TR-309 for?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Aqua buff 1000 and 2000 , followed by 3m finesse it

There is also meguires cleaning wax

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

Yes, the TR is heavier than the pace. TR on wool pad for initial buff and sanding scratches, Pace on white foam for buffing swirls, 3M on black foam for final polish.

The "heavy cut" is relative. It probably is for automotive clear (but I still do the same process on that), but not on gel coat.

If you really want to shine it up, wet sand with some 1000 grit first.

Esit: I was just comparing the TR and Aqua Buff, and it looks like the TR is only available with a 4 gallon minimum order. So get the Aqua.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I am just doing some light buffing to clean up some oxidation, dress it up a bit going to try the small buffer with cleaner wax see how that goes.

 

[A-drift]

I have used the 3M restorer & wax on a wool buffing pad with satisfactory results. It's by no means a full, professional job, but for a one step process it makes an old boat look respectable.

 

[flashback]

3m heavy duty can't say it's the best but it's all I've ever used.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I have used the 3M restorer & wax on a wool buffing pad with satisfactory results. It's by no means a full, professional job, but for a one step process it makes an old boat look respectable.

This sounds more realistic for me, I will be working on the boat outside and honestly do not have a lot of time to do it. My busy travel time of year.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Another question I am going to be replacing the back logo stickers so obviously have to remove the old stickers then buff with cleaner wax. I imagine not a good idea to try to apply decals to a waxed surface. What prep do I do after buffing to apply decals, and also a pinstripe.

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

You would have to thoroughly wipe the whole thing down with wax remover. If that's the plan, get a buffing compound without wax, wash before doing decals, then wax. Before you take off the decals, just know that the gel under them will be a different color because it was protected from fading. Sanding and buffing won't change that, the difference is just too much.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Same logic applies to areas that I will do gelcoat touch up?

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Can I use the cleaner wax compound and then wipe the area to remove the wax after buffing apply the decal then wax over after application?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would use a clarifying (no wax) cleaner vs a cleaner wax.

Then a quick wipe with wax and grease remover, then a quick alcohol wipe.

Then apply the decals

Then wax

 

[MikeSchinlaub]

Same logic applies to areas that I will do gelcoat touch up?

I would fix the gel first.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I did buy exact replica stickers, should cover if I amply correctly.

 

[crazy charlie]

First fiberglass boat I ever owned it needs a buffing. I have a smaller buffer 6" or so any advice on bonnets and compound would be appreciated.

A pic of what condition you are dealing with would help your cause for better advice.Charlie

 

[DeepCMark58A]

A pic of what condition you are dealing with would help your cause for better advice.Charlie

Nope I am good, nothing complicated really just buffing a boat, products and process was suggested.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

I actually used comet in a bucket with a green poly pad, came out amazing. Just my 0?2 cents.