Boat detailing help and bunk scars

[Chris5084]

Trying to get boat cleaned up before putting it up. What wax and pad should I buy? I have researched the **** out of it and now I’m more confused than when I new nothing. Also, is there a video on “idiots guide to waxing boat”?

Also, Previous owner scratch the **** out of the bottom of the boat (guessing bunks). Any thoughts on what to do with the scratches?

Thanks in advance.


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[sixcampbells]

Process is this (in order) - depending on how bad the scratches are - 0. Clean boat (area to be worked on) really well. Might want to remove existing wax with a cleaner. 1. Wet sand (if needed) - with block if going over larger areas. 800-2000 grit. Less is more. Use sparingly and cautiously. Gelcoat is only so thick. 2. Compound to remove wet sanding scratches and swirls - 2-4 times - each time removes more swirls and brings out more shine. 3. Polish to removes swirls left by compound - 2 to 4 times. Same as compounding - more times, more shine and less scratches and swirls. 4. Last step is wax (paste wax best 1x per year - then normal liquid wax throughout the year when you are using the boat. 100% wool pad for compounding and blended pad for polishing.

[sixcampbells]

I use 3M products for what it's worth.

[Chris5084]

Process is this (in order) - depending on how bad the scratches are - 0. Clean boat (area to be worked on) really well. Might want to remove existing wax with a cleaner. 1. Wet sand (if needed) - with block if going over larger areas. 800-2000 grit. Less is more. Use sparingly and cautiously. Gelcoat is only so thick. 2. Compound to remove wet sanding scratches and swirls - 2-4 times - each time removes more swirls and brings out more shine. 3. Polish to removes swirls left by compound - 2 to 4 times. Same as compounding - more times, more shine and less scratches and swirls. 4. Last step is wax (paste wax best 1x per year - then normal liquid wax throughout the year when you are using the boat. 100% wool pad for compounding and blended pad for polishing.

Got it. Thanks for the detailed response.




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[sixcampbells]

You are welcome!

[sixcampbells]

I am literally in the middle of removing bunch scratches from my G now. Did a ton of research. Have one side done and it's working. PM me if you want to talk live.

[Blamey]

I am literally in the middle of removing bunch scratches from my G now. Did a ton of research. Have one side done and it's working. PM me if you want to talk live.

Use the 3m professional guide on this page.

http://3mmarine.com/products/compounds-polishes/buffing

This is what I've used and it makes the boat shine. I use Colonites wax over the 3m wax.

I'd probably hand sand if you don't have a lot of experience. You should only need to sand the scratches or areas with heavy oxidation(your gel doesn't look too bad from the pictures. If the scratches are really deep you may not want to sand them all the way down.

Most of you boat may only need the Marine Glaze and then a wax.

Do a test spot first with just the glaze. Then do a spot with the compound then glaze. Shin a light on the gel. You should have a mirror finish. If it's hazy or you see alot of scratches then you need to wet sand first.

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[Blamey]

You'll also need a polisher.

Harbour freight has a cheap one that works well but I've heard you get better results for something like the Makita 9227c.

I have the Makita but it's all I've used so I can't compare it to other.

Porter Cable and DeWalt also have popular options.

You don't want a random orbital,these won't have the power you need for gel.


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