Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

[JAL51974]

I read Mark42's method of oxidation removal and polishing and tried it on my 1985 Bayliner Capri. Pretty heavy oxidation all over, very dull blue under the rub rail and the white was chalky opaque looking. I took off all the stripes- 3 stripes-on the blue and tried the comet method. Got a dull but clean looking result.

The orbital polisher I used from Advanced Auto goes 3200 RPM and I first tried the 3M Restorer and wax for gelcoat. Very disappointing finish. Then I tried some Turtle Wax heavy duty buffing compound on the polisher. Somewhat better finish but not real good. I waxed it with some auto wax we had lying around and it looked ok but not great. You still see the fine scratches giving a dull finish.

What am I missing? A lot of work for little results so far. Thanks.

Joe

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

You need to use an actual buffing compound and there will fine and coarse formulas, start with coarse and then use a finer one. Did you get a buffer, or one of the inexpensive polishers for wax? The cheapies from the auto parts store won't do much, you need to get a real buffer with a good buffing pad.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

Try 3-m superduty... it has been a very reliable product. However as to buffing pads McQuire's makes a foam pad that is so much better than the old cloth bonnet's it is almost :redface:..... Be prepared with a water hose at your side, you may only cut 3-4 feet off of the old gel and the pad is full. Just take the hose and clean it out... fire up the buffer and the force will expel the water.

Any left over moisture in the pad will only serve you to aid in the buffing process. So have at it and when your done with the super duty .........just finish it off with a good grade wax....but cutting off a lot of old gel can be a major task ..take your time..

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

Thanks for the input, I thought it was not cutting enough.

the 3M Super duty is a buffing compound then? How is that different than buffing compound we used to use on cars? the one I used had quite a bit of grit in it, a reddish color paste. Orbital buffer was about $35-40 if I remember right, single speed though @ 3200 rpm.

Joe

 

[wewefirex2x]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

Is this what people use to remove oxidation. Heavy Duty scouring pad.


Heavy Duty Scour Pad

For your most difficult tasks ? both indoors and out. Use them to clean your most challenging kitchen messes, or anywhere you need abrasion.

 

[tommays]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

The orbital buffer is pretty worthless for cutting through Oxidation because there gental buy there nature


ALL of the ways talked about are trying to do the same thing which is to remove a small amount of the dammaged surface on the gelcoat so the orginal luster can be exposed


BUT unless your a bit agressive it is a painfully slow job

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

Thanks for the input, I thought it was not cutting enough.

the 3M Super duty is a buffing compound then? How is that different than buffing compound we used to use on cars? the one I used had quite a bit of grit in it, a reddish color paste. Orbital buffer was about $35-40 if I remember right, single speed though @ 3200 rpm.

Joe

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92623


There is a buffer... 3m superduty is just a buffing compound, very aggresive stuff. One can recomend with little worry and if that doesnt get it done, you should post some high res pics of the results

 

[JAL51974]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

Thanks for the pic, I just finished looking at that one myself at Harbor Freight. Mine is more like an orbital polisher/waxer, 10" pad, hi speed only.
Like this one only cheaper!
http://www.detailking.com/content/view/77/191/

I guess I have to buy another tool! Luckily HF isn't too far from my house.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

I agree with the recommendation to use 3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound, and the variable speed polisher similar to that shown above.

Used a similar procedure on my vintage hull, which was a barn find and heavily oxidized sun faded.

I should mention that I also went a bit further and wetsanded the bow, to get a little better surface finish, followed again with polish & wax.

Good luck with your project.

 

[fixb52s]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

That buffer is the same one I got. I paid $25 (on sale) for mine a few years ago and it is still working. Not bad for a cheap buffer.​

I also used the 3M compound pictured above and it worked very well. I did color sand the hull first to remove the faded gel and smooth the surface. This also helps reduce the old gel from clogging up the buffing pad.​

The Comet is nothing but a abrasive material, similar to the rubbing compound. It is actually easier to just color sand and buff it with the 3M. Also when you remove the old gel it will stay in better shape for a longer time.​

 

[Zero Balance]

Re: Comet & Scotch Brite Oxidation Remover questions

Since you've seen positive results with cleanser, follow up with a good buff out using 3M super duty and again with 3M finessit II. Complete the process with a Mquires #7 sealer and marine wax then you should see a vast improvement in your coat condition. Its a lot of work and by the time your done you'll have quite an investment in wool bonnets. Use a decent variable speed polisher. Nothing else will compare.