Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Gelcoat refinishing
Posted by pugh66 on 11/01/09 - 1:07 PM
#1
I just got my 15' duantless off it's previous owners davots and it is in need in some tlc. I already got the motor rebuilt and running so now its time for clean-up. Trying to get a few ideas on which compounds and waxes work the best. Im looking foward to posting my progress and interacting with as many as possible on whaler central. Thank you in advance for you help, talk to you soon.
Joe
Posted by bccanucker on 11/01/09 - 7:35 PM
#2
I have always had good luck with Mequiars products.
#44 Color Restorer
#45 Boat Polish
Flagship Premium Marine wax
Go to their website to see what each product does
Posted by Finnegan on 11/01/09 - 7:39 PM
#3
For removing haze and oxidation, and high gloss factory original gloss, you want to use 3M's IMPERIAL COMPOUND AND FINISHING MATERIAL, #06044, which comes in a qt bottle, black and purple color. It's not cheap, about $45/qt, but worth every penny and then some. It has fast initial cut, then converts to a highly refined micro-finishing (glossing) process.
I have been buffing and maintaining my Whalers for years, and most say they look pretty incredible for their age. But I newly discovered this stuff, and it is like nothing I have ever used before. I just did my 25 Outrage, and it has never looked so glossy since I bought it new 20 years ago! It's not easy to find in boat stores, and West Marine does not carry it, although they should.
Use a fluffy wool pad on your machine (this stuff is not for hand use except very small hard to reach areas), and you can follow up with 3M's FINESSE-IT II if you want, but it may not be needed. Then Collinite #925 pure Boat Wax.
This is the best product I have ever used for glossing up a gelcoat hull.
Edited by Finnegan on 11/01/09 - 7:42 PM
Posted by kamie on 11/02/09 - 6:06 AM
#4
You can also use Buff Magic. Simular to the product Finnegan describes. If you search the site for Buff Magic you will see some before / after photos of my project 13. Follow it with finesse-it or right with wax.
Posted by JohnnyCW on 11/02/09 - 8:01 AM
#5
Finnegan wrote:
For removing haze and oxidation, and high gloss factory original gloss, you want to use 3M's IMPERIAL COMPOUND AND FINISHING MATERIAL, #06044, which comes in a qt bottle, black and purple color. It's not cheap, about $45/qt, but worth every penny and then some. It has fast initial cut, then converts to a highly refined micro-finishing (glossing) process.
I have been buffing and maintaining my Whalers for years, and most say they look pretty incredible for their age. But I newly discovered this stuff, and it is like nothing I have ever used before. I just did my 25 Outrage, and it has never looked so glossy since I bought it new 20 years ago! It's not easy to find in boat stores, and West Marine does not carry it, although they should.
Use a fluffy wool pad on your machine (this stuff is not for hand use except very small hard to reach areas), and you can follow up with 3M's FINESSE-IT II if you want, but it may not be needed. Then Collinite #925 pure Boat Wax.
This is the best product I have ever used for glossing up a gelcoat hull.
I'm not familiar with the Collinite but I absolutely agree with both 3M products. I'll have to keep my eye out for the Collinite #925.
Posted by bottomfish on 11/02/09 - 8:49 AM
#6
I second the 3M Imperial compound. It cuts well enough to clean up 600 grit sand paper. The stuff is smooth to the touch but cuts unbelievably. Yes it is expensive but definitly worth the money.