Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

[Jacalore]

What's the trick? An hour of compounding and while it shows some color I have streaks. Either I'm using too much or too little material and working the surface too long or not long enough? I'm using an electric drill with pad adapter for application. Any advice?


Thanks

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

If your boat is red like in your avtar, and an 85' model, you might as well give up. Red is the worst. Some people wets sand then buff,buff and buff some more. It will look good for awhile but the oxidation always seems to come back through.
Best thing i have used was some mold polish. Then followed it with turtle wax color restore. And a good orbital buffer, and lots of time.
Good luck.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Yeah, I just use Vaseline to restore the finish,,, no hard work needed! Just apply, & let it bring out the color, & shine, plus, it cleans as well at the same time, then wipe off the excess. It will take some time, just be patient. It will work better in summer heat. Once completed, just wax, or polish to suit, & preserve!

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Yup, it's red and yes it's an '85. And I was afraid of that.. tried to attach pics of the 3' area I'm working but they wouldnt attach. Anyway, some of the red is like a cloudy grey with a maroon tint. Doubt vaseline brings out the red in that. Or am I wrong?
Btw, my arms are about to fall off...

 

[MikDee]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Yup, it's red and yes it's an '85. And I was afraid of that.. tried to attach pics of the 3' area I'm working but they wouldnt attach. Anyway, some of the red is like a cloudy grey with a maroon tint. Doubt vaseline brings out the red in that. Or am I wrong?
Btw, my arms are about to fall off...

Vaseline restores the lost silicon to the finish, try a spot, What do you have to lose?

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

You're right, and I will... what's the procedure? Wipe on vaseline with cloth by hand? Leave on how long? Wipe off? Will polish stick to the oily finish?

Wait, silicon? Vaseline is a petroleum product, no?
Thanks.

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Vaseline does work. However, you can get the red back by buffing. You will have to wet sand first (800, 1000, then 1200 or 1500), then compound, then polish. It took about 10 to 12 hours on my Red 1986 Sea Ray, but it came out unbelievable -- dark, shiny red. It still looks the same 18 months later.

Your drill will likely not get the job done. However, you can get a 7" variable speed polisher from HF for about $25 with a coupon.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

I took my 84 Starcraft to a pro detailer. It cost $300, but the shine was still on her 3 years later.
I got more than I paid for it when I traded in it because of the finish.
Im just saying, everyone cant be the best at everything.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Google Smoove wax. They came to one our meeting and demo'ed their products on a "pink" (washed out red) wind surfer. Took him all of 3 minutes to restore the color and shine on a 3'x3' area to new. Three members have since had their boats detailed by them. Outstanding products. Dedicated buffer is the only way to go

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Part of my problem is using a plate attachment for my drill instead of a real polisher. I have the time, but not the money for another tool I'll use once or twice. I know, I know...

Thinking about plowing thru, compound the rest of the boat, then try the vaseline to see if it evens out the finish.
Tried again to attach photos... not successful (again!)

 

[firstcatch]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Try Buff Magic the stuff really is amazing
Buff Magic Compound | Shurhold

Also make sure you have a high quality cutting pad to apply it with.

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

The Harbor Freight polisher is all you need. Like I said it is only $25. If you can't afford this polisher now, I would just go with the Vaseline. It will get you a nice looking boat in an hour. You will spend 10+ times that amount of time with the drill polisher and it will likely not look very good.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

The Harbor Freight polisher is all you need. Like I said it is only $25. If you can't afford this polisher now, I would just go with the Vaseline. It will get you a nice looking boat in an hour. You will spend 10+ times that amount of time with the drill polisher and it will likely not look very good.

The more you apply Vaseline, and give it time to penetrate in, the deeper color, & shine will be, till it is completely restored!

 

[moosehead]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Your drill will likely not get the job done. However, you can get a 7" variable speed polisher from HF for about $25 with a coupon.

+4, plus the drill motor stands a good chance of burning out if leaning into it that long.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Try Buff Magic the stuff really is amazing
Buff Magic Compound | Shurhold

Why would you use metal rouge on Fiberglas?

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Thanks everyone for the advice. If I had to start over I'd go with the HF polisher. One side done. Compounded and finished with McGuires polish. Far from perfect, but passes the 30' rule.

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Okay, call me stubborn... but why didn't you guys tell me about the vaseline trick? Oh yeah, that's right, you did... Well, after arm, back and shoulder breaking compounding and polishing one side, I decided to do the trim with vaseline for a test. Boy, was I amazed. So, I did part of the unfinished hull side - no blotches like the side I spend two days on... amazing, really. So, I redid the "done" side with vaseline, which evened it out, and the other hull side and trim. In an hour I was done and it looks great! Now, I don't know how long it'll last... ?

Time for a beer...

Attaching a pic just before finishing up the side:

 

[MikDee]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Sorry, forgot to tell you I apply it by hand (you can really get a feel for it that way). Make sure you continue applying it, leaving penetration time in between, and wipe off with paper towels, or whatever, till it's totally dry, and looks like new! Then use a wax, or polish of your choice to preserve it, and it will as long as your wax, or polish holds up!

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Yea, vaseline is usually applied by hand. :laugh:

 

[MikDee]

Re: Tricks to Compounding a Hull?

Hey jacalore, I'm the one who suggested Vaseline, and get crucified by this forum each time! By the way, I forgot to tell you that Vaseline works great on chrome, or nickel plated fittings, aluminum windshield frames, decals, & upholstery as well!