As a rnew boat owner, this will be my first year waxing the hull of my 2002 Gulfstream. Do most people use a buffer to apply/remove wax, or is it better to do it by hand?
Buffing Question
- Thread starter Gulfstream G
- Start date
On by hand off by hand. One screw up with dirt on the buffer and you will wish you did it by hand. I have used 3M marine paste wax for years and have been very happy with the results. Goes on easy comes off easy and I use the 3M on the window rubber and the rub rail it protects and does not chalk up.
The outside of the hull and decks are not that much of a job the inside surfaces are a different story.
The outside of the hull and decks are not that much of a job the inside surfaces are a different story.
I used to be afraid of a buffer but not anymore. you can use the ones from auto stores, I just used one side or another so the surface of the pad that touches the gel coat is going one direction, not the whole round surface. Then I found the Shurhold buffer which uses random movements and I switched over. I have no relationship with them at all, but their buffer takes the error factor out of the equation imho. I am not particularly mechanically inclined but I use it without fear of screwing up. Off by hand is possible, especially if you have kids to help, but for me, a hull with hundreds of square feet of surface is too much to handle in one-two days for two coats and still be able to move my arms and shoulders...LOL....
Parthery
GreatGrady Captain
On with a buffer....off by hand using microfiber towels.
Sometimes I'll go back over it with a clean polishing pad and the buffer...thats when you really bring out the shine.
Sometimes I'll go back over it with a clean polishing pad and the buffer...thats when you really bring out the shine.
freddy063 said:
ditto... but I do two coats. Topside I'll do another coat 1/2 way through summer.
On & off with the buffer. It makes short work of it. You just need to make sure to keep the speed down and not burn the gelcoat. I like to use a clean microfiber pad once the dried wax is removed to realy bring out the shine!
Sounds like there are many different techniques. I think I will try it by hand and see how it goes.
has anyone ever tried Nanowax on a boat? I found this stuff by accident a couple years ago and have been using it on my autos ever since. Takes maybe 15 min to do an SUV by hand, just spray on, wipe around with a microfiber towel and its done. I tried other quick spray waxes but this one seems to actually last beyond one washing.
Leaves a great shine and lasts a couple of months / 4-5 washings. I always wondered how it would do on gel coat but have never tried it.
Leaves a great shine and lasts a couple of months / 4-5 washings. I always wondered how it would do on gel coat but have never tried it.
True Grace said:
2 types of buffers. 1. Orbital/ car type buffer and 2. Rotary / makita industrial type. Orbital will never burn gelcoat....you'll burn the motor first. You would actually have to try to burn gelcoat with a Rotary at 1,500 rpm's. The 'new' owner of my 2003 Gulfstream said it was comparable to a 2009 in appearance he saw in South Florida. Unless your 2002 was Dry stacked for it's entire life....I'd suggest investing in a Rotary buffer. PM me if you want more info. to bonnets, chemicals, or hours required to bring it back to 95% original luster. Yes, it can be done and it's truly self gratifying to see. I'm working on my 2002 marlin and can assure I'll post some before and after photos. Good luck!
You want a RANDOM Orbital buffer, not a plain orbital one. The Porter Cable 7336/7224 is very popular.
I have the PC and really like it. However, I just do the waxing and removal by hand more than half the time.
I have the PC and really like it. However, I just do the waxing and removal by hand more than half the time.