Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

[wazzu98]

I have begun using 3M's Heavy Duty Restorer to restore my fiberglass boat. As I use it, there seems to be a lot of residue left behind and the surface seems to have a film on it.<br /><br />I am using an electric drill with a buffer, then finishing it off with a soft clean cloth. Do I need to buff more, less, or just wax afterwords to get the shine back?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

The residue is what normaly happens... The compound dries out and just goes everywhere... It's a dirty job... <br /><br />As long as the shine comes up after you wipe it down with a cloth (just like you're doing) your buffing job is A-ok... You may want to clean out the excesss compound from the pad every so often...<br /><br />When you're done buffing her out, wash it good, then dry it with a shamey to keep from getting water spots... Then apply a wax of your choice...

 

[wazzu98]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

Thanks snapperbait. I took out another clean cloth out and buffed it again and it shined up a lot. Good idea about cleaning the pad, I think it is getting full of wax and not allowing it to buff properly.<br /><br />This seems to be getting the oxidation out very well and doing okay on the scratches.<br /><br />Any other help!

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

You may be using too much compound...or not enough tool. I would highly recommend picking up a 7" or 9" buffer/grinder and using a wool pad with it. You will be surprised at how much better and faster it works.

 

[mabbott]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

Are you applying it directly to the buffing pad and working on a small area until it is buffed dry? Meaning a 2'x2' area is wetted/lightly buffed with the compound and then work the area with the buffer until it come to a polished finish. Then a little hand buffing with a terry cloth towel. Re-apply and repeat.....

 

[wazzu98]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

I am only using a 5" Wool Pad on my 3/8 drill. It worked better once I cleaned the pad periodically. I am putting the cleaner on the pad, rubbing it on a 2X2 or so sized area and buffing until dry.<br /><br />I think it is going better now as I get used to it. It will just take me some time to get it done right, but it looks better already.

 

[finadic]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

Like mentioned you need to get bigger buffer. I applyed compound to hull in small sections mist with water spray bottle and go at it. Also when i was done with compound got some stuff called finess-it also by 3m and buffed with that was like a mirror when i got done.

 

[BigBabyLou]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

I second the Finesse-It. It does wonders. I used just the 3M Heavy Duty Restorer and it did not do much. Then I applied Finesse-It on top and buffed it with a clean cloth and the fiberglass looks LIKE NEW. 15 y/o boat.<br /><br />Lou

 

[flashback]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

Ive had good results thinning the 3m product with water and applying it to the boat with a paint brush. it will not dry out as fast this way.. plus the compound goes farther....

 

[Mikedg]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

Wazzu98:<br />Have to agree with the recommendations you are getting here. Use a large buffer and keep hitting the compound with a spray of water to keep it working. Follow-up with Finesse It Polishing compound and wax. This system worked great on restoring a 1986 Regal I purchased 3 years ago.

 

[wazzu98]

Re: Help with using 3M Heavy Duty Restorer

Thanks to all for your help. I have been spraying with a mist of water as I buff and it is working great. I will definitely use a good wax after I work out the oxidation with the Heavy Duty Restorer