Orbial Polisher

Tug · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:08 pm Post subject: Orbial Polisher

Today i thought i would try to polish and shine the black trim on the side of my boat. I was a total failure. I used that 3M Restorer and wax product.First i applied some of the product to the 6 inch Orbital Polisher pad and gently spread it over the area.next i used another softer bonnet to do the polishing and shining, all that happened was streaking and the bonnet turned almost a black colour where as it was white before. No shine or nothing,its still dull with streaks in it. Tug

Montana Kev · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:31 pm Post subject:

Tug,

The 3M restorer wax worked good for me on my green trim which was chalky white when I bought the boat. I found that I had to first clean the area really good with soap and water after I power washed it. I used a cheap boat cleaner/wax from Attwood first to cut thru some of the layers of chalk. After some time with the cleaner I had a pile of green rags. I cut round rags and lay them over the buffing pad, then toss them once they turn green. Eventually the green almost stopped coming off. Then I moved to the 3M restorer. I have better luck rubbing the restorer or cleaner on the boat with a soft sponge or polishing pad first then go right to it with the buffer. It took 2 passes with the restorer to get a good result. Do small areas at a time.

Good Luck,

Kevin

A Fishin C · Guest

I tried the orbital as well and crappy results. This time I am going with Mother's Pure Carnuba wax on the bottom and top sides, by hand, in small sections.

Dreamer · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 10:30 pm Post subject:

BTDT. The orbital buffer was very unsatisfactory. For the colored trim, Cabernet in our case, a real buffer and two levels of rubbing compound finally did the job. Sold the Orbital on "2good2toss" $20. Followed up with 3M Polish/Wax then 3M Wax.

ferret30 · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 3:36 am Post subject:

I had success with a Porter Cable random orbital and 3M color restorer then their lighter cleaner wax combo. But there were definitely whole areas and spot stains that I had to do by hand. My technique is now to start with light stuff, then in places where that didn't work, I go heavier by hand, then cover it all up with wax. I had green come off on the pads and rags even with the lightest abrasive. Kind of worrisome at first but then I realized the color goes all the way through.

Tug · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 8:49 am Post subject:

I will give it another go today and try your suggestions. When i saw that black stuff coming off it had me worried also, thought it was black paint at first. Need to take a few pain pills for my back, that bottom painting is a killer.Want to stain the exterior bulkhead wall again today also.Tug

nordicstallion · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 10:16 am Post subject:

I used a variable speed power buffer and automotive polishing compound. looks good. stay away from the c-dory sticker tho as it will be destroyed. That part needs to be done by hand. My boat wasnt too bad when I got it.You will need to start with rubbing compound to get rid of chalk first. Its going to take some time but its worth it. Vern/C-Dog

Tug · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 8:20 pm Post subject:

I gave it another go at polishing the Black Trim on my boat.First i rubbed in by hand 3M Marine Rubbing Compound followed by hand buffing Collinites's No.925 Fiberglass Boat Wax. I ended up with a shine but the streaks can be still seen deep in the Gel-Coat. I guess its the best that can be done for the 1985 Gel-Coat. See pictures in album. Tug

dotnmarty · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 8:53 pm Post subject:

I think it looks great!

hambone · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 9:20 pm Post subject:

LOOKS GREAT, WELL DONE.

H Wink

ferret30 · Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 11:04 pm Post subject:

localboy · Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 12:15 pm Post subject:

Black is the worst color to "restore". Ask me how I know. Wink