automotive vs fiberglass [gelcoat] waxes and cleaners

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bluegene

New member
Is there a difference between automotive polishers, etc, and those sold for gelcoat? I may need a rubbing compound and then a wax product. The big box stores in Eugene sell the automotive way cheaper than the similar marine products shown in the West Marine catalog. And, I am kind of stuck with catalog/online purchases since the closest dealer for marine supplies is 100 miles away, that being West Marine in Portland.
 
People here raved about 3M's Color Gloss Restorer. I'm sure automotive compound will work. If you have heavy oxidation I would try the 3M product and then follow up with the Collonite cleaner wax and wax only. I have used Collonite Fiberglass cleaner #920 for light oxidation, then used Collinite 870 which is a wax with a mild abrasive for waxing and cleaning. Then finish with Collonite 925 Fiberglass boat wax. Once everything is up to snuff most folks recommend annually using the 870 cleaner wax and then add a coat of the 925 product which is just wax no abrasive. I found out about Collonite products on this site and can vouch for them as holding up as good as any I have ever used. I use an oscillating buffer with both terry cloth and microfiber bonnets. All of the Collinite products are buffer friendly and are easy to apply and remove. I have no stake in the company but think they are a great family of products. The are available online from any major marine supplier,West Marine, Defender Marine, etc.
Have fun getting your shine on.
D.D.
 
No need to use the marine stuff. I use 3M automotive rubbing compounds from the local Baxter autoparts store. Most any outlet that deals in automotive paint supplies will have 3M rubbing compounds. Word of advice if you have oxidation issues, start with a heavy rubbing compound (#1 in the 3M world) followed by a #2 rubbing compound and then finished with a machine polish compound. If you start with to light a grit compound it will require much more effort to get a polished finish. Then you can wax..... NuFinish is my favorite wax by far

Lot of work but the finish will be like new when done
 
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Check out (do a Search the C-Brats) on the topic that exists

......... waxing, polishing, etc.

Page#3 has info on Collinite.....from their customer service rep.


I took the Maguires home and will only use Collinite on Lady KC
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