What type of buffer should I use and what brand of wax? I currently have a rotary buffer w/2 speed's, and I've seen a guy using, like an egg carton shaped, foam pad, with good results. Just wondering what works best on gel coat? I seem to be getting a slight orange peel 'look' without the orange peel 'feel'. Maybe an orbital buffer would be better. I am trying a wax called Finish Cut, and I'm not sure off hand who makes it. It says that it is for the final buffing stages. Before this you are supposed to use Turbo Cut, to get out any scratches, but I didn't have to because my gel coat is in good shape, it just needs buffing.

Thanks,

Justin

It sounds like you are using polishing compounds, not wax. Orbital "buffers" are only good for taking off wax and I get better results by hand.

"Collinite" wax is very good stuff, but a pain to apply

I guess they would be posishing compounds. it says on the bottle that they have no wax. It just seems like waxing by hand doesn't get deep enough, or do enough. Should I use the non abrasive polishing wax with the buffer first, and then just wax the rest by hand with a good wax, like Collinite? BTW, where do you get this Collinite. I've never heard of it.

Thanks

Justin,

An orbital buffer is good for removing oxidation. But be very careful. Orbital machines can do more harm than good if you are not familiar with them. An orbital can ruin your gel coat.

If you are removing light oxidation go to a marine supplier like Boats US, or to your local boat supply store and get a good quality Cleaner/Wax product. If you plan on using your orbital buffer, pick up a couple of finishing pads. They will work fine. Make sure the package says "finishing" pads. Use the finishing pad and a cleaner wax to buff the gel. Then apply a couple of coats of good quality wax.

I could be wrong, but I believe "Egg carton" type buffing pads are used to remove HEAVY oxidation. Probably not the first choice of pad for the normal minor fading, or light oxidation.

It's not necessary to use an orbital buffer for wax only. Get a good quality wax specifically for fiberglass. Do not use automotive products on your gel coat.

Collinite's is an excellent wax. I've used Collinite's Fleetwax on my boat. It's made spacifically for fiberglass and produces a good shine, and UV protection. Like novascarab said, it can be a pain in the azz to put on and get off but it's worth the effort. There are easier products to use. Raceglaze, Frenzy wax are a couple. Or, pick up some McGuire's at a boat/marine place. Overall it's a good product. Just be sure what ever you get, it is specifically for marine use.

Hope this helps

A milwaukee or makita buffer will work, I prefer a milwaukee, but any buffer will work fine that spins at 1500 to 1750 rpm.

Finesse it from 3M will give you excellent results or you can use aqua buff 1000 or 2000. For heavy oxidation use the 1000 first and then the 2000. Aqua buff is applied differently than most compounds. spread out on the surface, mist with a light spray of water and buff.

Aqua buff is recommend to be buffed out at 2000 rpm but will still give excellent results at a lower rpm.

Use a wool pad for all of the above.

Then apply a wax product

I have tried the waxing frenzy on a number of boats and have been pretty happy with it.


Use this procedure on 90% of the boats we do.

I USED FINESSE LAST YEAR WITH A GOOD CLEAN CUTTING WHEEL NOT A POLISHING WHEEL.AND THEN WAXED OVER, OOO MANNN BETTER THAN NEW.

thanks guys! My boat doesn't have any oxidation, but I just wanted a better sheen to it, and to get rid of all the surface scratches from beach towels etc... Where do you get the Finesse product, Marine or Auto store?

Like kindnova and novascrab i also used collinite cleaner and wax. It is a litte harder to use but well worth the work. It lasts longer and like others said, it is made for the marine environment. Just search the net and give them a call. many times they run specials on their products.

Collonite cleaner is really good stuff. Get mine at Boat U.S. Have also recently discovered 3M Marine Buffing Compound and a small 6" Porter-Cable orbital buffer/polisher works very well to remove oxidation and yellowing from gel coat.