Best Detailing Products

[YachtaFun]

I know there are hundreds of threads here and on THT on detailing, but figured get some fresh new info, specific to Grady hulls, and especially with tons of new products on the market...

I have been detailing boats for a long time, but last year I didnt get the even finish (was clean and shiny, but slightly hazy/cloudy and could be better) that I typically stride for. Perfect from far, but far from perfect... I have a 2006 grady white marlin, was my first year with it, and I know from experience that every gelcoat really reacts differently. Last year I went with a light 3M Perfect It compound, and then just standard Maguires polish and wax.

This year think on the wax I will go with my historical best results from Collinite Paste. Any recommendations on good compound and polish on grady white gelcoats?

Thanks in advance...

 

[JJF]

It's highly dependent on the level of oxidation.

For light oxidation, I like Meguiars One-Step Cleaner Wax followed by Collinite Liquid 925 wax. I then use 303 Speed Detailer throughout the season and between waxing. I use these by hand only.

If I wanted to bring a boat back from all but the heaviest oxidation (where water sanding would be required), I would likely get into the 3M professional products. I don't have much experience with these, but I think one needs to go beyond the consumer market and into the commercial space to get the best results.

 

[Rhumbline306]

I like presta products for compounding and polishing. My go to for wax is Collinite.

Level of oxidation determines starting point. My current boat is dark grey and medium oxidation. I’ll be compounding, then polish and finally waxing.

Compounding and polishing done with variable speed makita with 8”’wool white bonnet. Wax applied by hand.

 

[SeanC]

I used Gyeon Q2R Marine Polish Step 1 and Step 2.
Next time I will just use Step 1 as I could see very little difference after using the finer Step 2 compound.
I finished with Gyeon Q2R Gelcoat ceramic coat.

​