Polish time

[Pelican]

I want Salish C to look her best for the C-Dory get together in Friday Harbor next month. SC is a 2006 22’ cruiser and her gel coat is looking tired. I’ve tried a few commercial polishes applied by hand and the results have been disappointing. Any suggestions for product and buffer tools?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[thataway]

There are multiple systems. I have used Chemical Guys (now carried at our Walmart), Marine 1, 3 M, and Fleet Wax. For a quick touch up, I have used Mcguires paste wax. Pick one system and use their products.

For a polisher, the Mikita ‎9237CX3 or 9227... You want the one with hook and loop plate. I have wool, and a number of foam pads. You need the wool pad cleaning tool (spur) and some of the cleaning liquid.

Do a google search on site: The Hull Truth.com for detailing or polishing waxing. There are a number of very good (several professional detailers) who post there.

The cheaper polishers will not keep the RPM up when you press down had really get to compounding. Many (including myself) have tried the "Chicago $49 polisher" from Harbor Freight... They just don't cut it when. you need the power.

Dewalt, Porter Cable (someone made off with mine, so I bought the Mikita and don't loan it out....). As well as Milwaukee. Stick with the top name brands, and you want a constant speed--variable speed.

I also have several cheaper random orbital for the final finish--several 5" and one 12". I also use 2" pads in a right angle Ryobie drill for tough to get into areas.

 

[WCF]

I have also tried several systems, brands, and tools. I have bins full of the stuff. I also really like Chemical Guys products.

Just offering my general go-to:
- 3M 09006 Restorer and Wax.
- Apply and work by hand, work it more on problem spots (the easy part for 09006), remove and buff out with lambswool buffing pad and the power of your choice.

Like Thataway mentioned, I have purchased 3 different Harbor Freight polishers (the digital variable speed, the standard angle grinder DA, and the new cordless model), and none of them have really been up to the job. My experience has been that a smaller name brand polisher is a better choice than a bigger Harbor Freight or generic polisher.