Wet sand/Buffing help

[wakebrd21]

I'm getting ready to begin the process of wet sanding/buffing on my 97 sport. I have a grinder that my dad gave me but I've heard mixed opinions on whether this will work for the buffing piece. So I'm looking for thoughts on here. I've put some pictures in below. Says it's 120V, 4.5 inch, 11,000/min. Thanks for your help

[nukemustang]

I would not use that for any kind of buffing. It was specifically designed to use very abrasive discs and remove large quantities of metal in a rapid fashion.

There are many buffers that are available ranging from the Harbor Freight specials from 49.99 to the dewalt 849XP ($179 on amazon) and many people have been able to restore the fiberglass using either one of these.

As for wet sanding, it would seem the general consensus is to not if at all possible. I would see if you can get a decent polisher, with a heavy duty rubbing compound and a wool pad to remove as little material as possible, while restoring the shine. The more abrasive material you start with the more intermediate steps and levels of polishing you add in bringing the luster back to the gel. (wet sanding ->rubbing compound (heavy->med->light) ->polishing compound ->wax)

I have removed some pretty decent clouding with the 3M rubbing compound. I had two spots on the sides of the boat that were clouded from the sun and the sun reflecting off the polished trailer steps.

[wakebrd21]

I would not use that for any kind of buffing. It was specifically designed to use very abrasive discs and remove large quantities of metal in a rapid fashion.

There are many buffers that are available ranging from the Harbor Freight specials from 49.99 to the dewalt 849XP ($179 on amazon) and many people have been able to restore the fiberglass using either one of these.

As for wet sanding, it would seem the general consensus is to not if at all possible. I would see if you can get a decent polisher, with a heavy duty rubbing compound and a wool pad to remove as little material as possible, while restoring the shine. The more abrasive material you start with the more intermediate steps and levels of polishing you add in bringing the luster back to the gel. (wet sanding ->rubbing compound (heavy->med->light) ->polishing compound ->wax)

I have removed some pretty decent clouding with the 3M rubbing compound. I had two spots on the sides of the boat that were clouded from the sun and the sun reflecting off the polished trailer steps.

Perfect, Thank you. I may give the Harbor Freight special a try. I've already purchased the 3 3M products that have been discussed on here in other threads. I just need a buffer and some pads.

Are wool good to use for all the 3M products or at some point should you switch to a foam for the lighter compounds? I am definitely going to try buffing before I would consider wet sanding.

[nukemustang]

http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=796397

This is what I "use" as a reference when getting the polisher out. Youtube also has some great reference stuff that covers when to use wool and rubbing compound vs. a polish and foam pads. There are also several grades of foam pads as I am sure you are aware that have more or less cutting action to help with the various products, but any of those would be much better than an angle grinder.

Tim

[kend]

plus one on the Harbor Freight buffer. I bought one last year and the foam pads they have that fit it...works fine.

Pretty sure the 11,000 rpm grinder would do more harm than good

[charlesml3]

> I have a grinder that my dad gave me

NO! Stop. That's an angle grinder, not a buffer. If you use that on your hull you're going to be taking it to a professional fiberglass repair shop. Post photos of the hull and let us take a look. It's possible you won't need a power tool at all to do the job.

[shag]

You are not far from Orlando. A Brilliant Finish here in Orlando re-finished my 91 Barefoot Nautique to a new condition. He actually uses a dry sanding technique and I must say it was amazing. Took a chalky, not able to tell the original color gel coat and re-vived it to make it look new. Correct craft (imo) uses some of the thickest gel coat of any boat builder, which allows for mild sanding to refinish. And very reasonable prices.
Boat in the picture is mine and it is for sale btw.

[lucky7t]

We use 3000 dry on our cars and works great. Not sure how gel would react

[gome123]

+2 on the Harbor Freight buffer. I bought the variable speed one. This way I can control my application. After 3 years of use (has done many buff jobs), it still runs... when it decides to break, just throw away and get another

[wakebrd21]

Thanks all. I bought the harbor freight variable speed buffer. I started tinkering around tonight with the 3m super duty rubbing compound. I was staying around the lower rpms (15-20) as I don't want to mess up the gel coat and I'm just getting the feel for it. Should I not go over a certain rpm? It was pretty hot when I felt it, is that ok?

[gome123]

Heat is not good. You don't want to burn the gel coat. Just keep moving the buffer around. I like to use a spray bottle to squirt some water while polishing. I am no expert, maybe do a bit Google-ing. Youtube will also give you some good ideas.