Boat Detailing

[walruswoman]

Hi all, I am new to the boating world. I have been an auto detailer for about 3 years and recently was asked to detail a boat. I have no clue! So here I am begging for information. Where else than a boat forum to get quick answers....eh? So my question is (or questions) is, what do I wash, polish, deoxidize, and wax with? Someone told me that I shouldn't use car products on boats. Is this true?

 

[J. Mark]

Re: Boat Detailing

Gelcoat and paint are two very different animals. Gelcoat should not be sanded in circles, only straight lines. Remove oxidation starting with the finest paper that will work and progress up to 1500 then 2000 grit and use a high speed buffer with . . . sorry what I use is a secret.

Here are before and after pictures, but I am not done yet. This boat was weathered an 20 years old.

If a finish is faded and chalky it would take me about 40 hours work to bring it back to this level on a 20 foot boat.

No offense, but if I were in your shoes I would turn down a boat job if you haven't done it before. Burning through gelcoat is easy-on your own boat you learn, repair and move on. Burn through it on a customer's boat and you'll be paying them for your work.

oh my secret is jewelry rouge or the white metal polish in sticks. Don't tell anyone. You have to be very attentive or you will cut through the gelcoat in a heart beat. On most boats it is pretty thin.

 

[keepNitreel]

Re: Boat Detailing

J. Mark you should share your post in the "Need Prep and Paint Advise" thread, I think it will help him a lot. Nice job ​

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Boat Detailing

3m perfect it wool pad then foam pad.Wash down and wax that pup.I use all automotive.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Boat Detailing

Welcome to iboats walruswoman..

Am I to assume that you mean "Detailing" to mean kinda wash and clean ? .. Or are you talking high speed rotary buffers and compound out oxidation..buffing..HARD labor kinda thing ?

From what I get Your being asked to wash and wax a boat..

Yes/No..Automotive stuff is for "paint" .. your working with gelcoat topcoats..wax ( especially carnuba wax ) is not for gelcoated boats IMO.

Please specify as I have known very few females that can properly buff out a boat with a rotary buffer .. please no offense ....

YD.

 

[AOD]

Re: Boat Detailing

Hi all, I am new to the boating world. I have been an auto detailer for about 3 years and recently was asked to detail a boat. I have no clue! So here I am begging for information. Where else than a boat forum to get quick answers....eh? So my question is (or questions) is, what do I wash, polish, deoxidize, and wax with? Someone told me that I shouldn't use car products on boats. Is this true?

Please feel free to call me after checking out or site EDIT NO SOLICITATION PERMITTED