Decided to join autogeek forums to seek out the various opinions. I'm a first-timer, and am working on my 1998 Searay 270. Have read through the forums quite a bit, but as you know, forums are filled with contradicting opinions and so I thought that the best way would be to post some pictures and get some opinions.
Firstly, I'm not exactly sure if this hull is considered as lightly, medium or heavily oxidised, but it does look like medium to me. There's no shine one it right now, and it does look slightly chalky.
I've been experimenting with numerous products and various foam pads - Buff Magic + Pro Polish, Meguiar's M67 One step Compound + M45 Polish + Collinite Wax & the whole range of Meguiar's foam pad but result hasn't exactly been stellar. All of these have been done with a Meguiar's DA Polisher and according to most instructions that I've seen online. A total of 2 - 3 compounding passes, followed by 2 passes of polish and 1 wax. Attached is the result of the test area.
I'm really looking for that deep gloss, but I'm not too sure if my expectations are too high, and if these results are actually considered "good enough". Basically, I'm hoping to get a finish that is 90 - 95% new without wet sanding, and current results has been a little disappointing - There's a shine, but hardly a deep gloss and shine is really only visible at certain angles.
I'm considering investing in a Rotary + wool combination, but having read the meguiar's forum, the DA Polisher with the Burgundy cutting pad has been considered as a better alternative, and I've tried that and yet am unsatisfied with the results.
Can you experienced detailers out there take a look at my image and processes and point me in the right direction?
Would going rotary really bring about a big improvement?
Check out Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Cleaner Wax. This product will remove the oxidation and surface staining in one step while depositing a durable layer of wax.
If you don't have access to a high-speed rotary polisher as Mike said, you can make the best of your DA with Lake Country Thin Foamed Wool Pads. These pads provide more cut than a conventional foam pad and, thanks to their thin design, are able to be efficiently rotated on a DA polisher.
Marine 31 Gel Coat Heavy-Cut Cleaner Wax + Lake Country Thin Foamed Wool Pads = shiny, well protected gel coat (in one step!)
Thanks Mike & Nick for the recommendations. I would be quite keen to try the Marine 31 products given glowing recommendations.
I'm thinking about the thin foamed wool pads too but have yet to see much results around.
Speaking of which, if I were to get a rotary, would you think that it makes a big difference the brand of the rotary? Say a Makita vs a regular Bosch/ HF one. I'm not exactly looking to use it for the long-run so thought if I could get away with an average one. What do you guys think?
I'll just add...from some of my experiences, there are SOME gel-coats that just won't pop. They seem to only just so shiny and deep and no matter what else you try...that's it. I should also add, this can happen on (even) new boats/RVs.
Frustrating as all get out (along with A LOT of un-family friendly words, LOL).
Speaking of which, if I were to get a rotary, would you think that it makes a big difference the brand of the rotary? Say a Makita vs a regular Bosch/ HF one. I'm not exactly looking to use it for the long-run so thought if I could get away with an average one. What do you guys think?
I'm not familiar with Bosche's line of rotary polishers, however I can tell you that we've carried Makita for years and complaints are virtually non-existent. The Makita 9227 is built like a tank and will surely provide years of dependable service.
I'm not a fan of buying "temporary" tools. The entire point of purchasing a tool is to make a task easier, so why sell yourself short and get something that's only going to last a year or two, tops?
Typically, with the kind of oxidation that you are seeing, how many pass would be required to bring about such a shine, say with a Rotary + Wool pad?
A wool pad on a rotary polisher cuts through oxidation pretty quickly - it wouldn't take more than a couple passes before you start to reveal the shiny gel coat underneath.
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Originally Posted by gabrielgiggs
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