What is the best way to get show room high gloss???

[WAVEN ' BYE 2]

I have a (91)Bayliner Capri 2050CX. 4.3L.I love this boat ,and I am trying to fully restore her as if I bought her brand new right off the showroom floor.I have tried all the top of the line auto polishes,Boat Restorer&polish,The only thing I haven't tried yet is 3M marine polish.I have to polish every 2 weeks just to keep a good shine but that takes most of the day,I should be on the lake insteadd Any advtice from all you die heart boaters . This is my first season with her.My garage is all set up and ready to get her ready for next season too!!(Winterizing)..

And thanks for all your help with pics. I beleive I got it right.(I hope)....Pat

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What is the best way to get show room high gloss???

the only way to keep the showroom look is keep it covered and don't use it. they are going to get scratched, upolstery worn and sun faded. it's a 16 year old finish.

 

[SwampThing]

Re: What is the best way to get show room high gloss???

Dude that boat looks pretty damn shiny to me already,
but we're all looking for that shine.

From my own personal experience, skip the 3M products. I find they're over priced and don't delivery as good as others. Check out the Meguiar's product line. Many specialty waxes, polishes, and glazes. Specific stuff for specific results. and I find that it delivers.

One other thing you might want to try as a final wax is something called Reflections by Mothers. This stuff is made for cars and cost about $15 per bottle at the local auto parts store. This stuff is awesome for a deep mirror shine. I've used it on my cars and motorcycles, and I tested it on one of my boats, but I still have some rub out work to do first on the boat.
Reflections? I'm still watching last summer go by on my bike tank.
I also found that you only have to use it once on something also and it seems to last and last.

Okay that's my recommendations: Meguiars and thenfinish with reflections.

 

[AlanR]

Re: What is the best way to get show room high gloss???

Why? Looks Pretty good to me. My boats painted with tremclad paint and a broom. If your gonna use the boat its gonna show signs of usage like sun fading of the paint and interior. Like Tashasdaddy said the only way to keep it like show room is not to use it

 

[WAVEN ' BYE 2]

Re: What is the best way to get show room high gloss???

Thanks every one , yes I do have a tendency to look to hard,always thinking it could be shinier or if I'm not using the right stuff.The shine that is on it now is mcguiresd,I definitly will use REFLECTIONS for a top coat,thanks for the 3M advice too. $15.00 abottle sounds great to me.for REFLECTIONS......I Love this site,hours just seem to pass..Thanks guys....(Waven ' Bye)...PAT

 

[stevieray]

Re: What is the best way to get show room high gloss???

Pat - you gotta deal with the reality of fiberglass - it is a porous surface, not like a clear coat acrylic car finish. The older it gets, the more porous it gets. Sure, you can bring back a temporary shine like you are experiencing, but as you can see, it fades pretty quick. An option to this is to use a product like Poli-Glow or Vertglas. The best way I can describe these is kind of like a real thin water-based clear nail polish. You spread it on with a special applicator & the first couple of coats suck into the surface & then it starts to build up a shine. It takes about as much time as a good waxing, but it lasts a long time - I did mine in June & it still looks good. You will not get the hard initial gloss like polishing & wax - big areas can appear a bit streaky, but it will give a decent shine for an extended time & takes virtually no maintenance (just keep it clean).

 

[strizzy]

Re: What is the best way to get show room high gloss???

I have detailed 10s, if not in the 100s by now boats. That being said, I have used many different products. 3M makes by far the best products for restoring a finish. As far as waxing it, insulator waxes with UV properties and a foam pad are the best option. I also like a product called Tech-Shield, almost impossible to find though.

 

[WAVEN ' BYE 2]

Re: What is the best way to get show room high gloss???

Thanks Strizzy,Where can I find it .my garage is all ready for me to pull it in and start winterizing too,while I have her in there I have more work to do on her already,i have already done a lot to her but I am not done, I am fully restoring her to brand new statis ,She deserves it after how the last owners treated her.so I would like to do what is best.Thanks for all the input guys !!Wher can I find that almost Impossable product,who makes it. (Waven ' Bye)....Pat

 

[strizzy]

Re: What is the best way to get show room high gloss???

Best bet: buffer, 3M Super Duty Compound with wool pads for any fading or oxidation,
3M Finesse-It to remove any swirls with a yellow polishing pad, wax of your choice (I prefer a product called Tech Shield) with a foam pad (egg crate like texture).

It will also be easier if you remove any snaps (factory bayliner/maxium snaps are usually riveted in though) or other things if you can (ie. blower vents) when buffing. And while you have the vents off, use some detailing UV spray (plastics always age the worst since they are skipped over by many) and give them a nice helping, will make them look really nice and you won’t get any on your boat.