Compound/Wax

Cool It

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 13, 2004
Messages
284
Hello<br /> Just wanted to find out if I could use regular car compound and wax or do I need to use products for boats only. Is waxing and compounding the gelcoat any different than a car?? Thanks COOL IT!
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,604
Re: Compound/Wax

It really depends on how bad the finish is.Auto products work good.There are some really good marine products that may address your exact problem better.Be careful with the red rubbing compound if you opt to use car products.White polishing compound is probably a better option.The compounds for marine use are usually liquid.Some of the best marine products are 3m and Dolphinite.I have tried them all.Charlie
 

Ripsnort

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
95
Re: Compound/Wax

I'm an amateur automobile detailer, and I've been a participant in a few Concours, and placed respectible well in these "Obessive Cleaning Disorder" competitions. :) <br /><br />There are two types of waxes that do well in the market place. Carnauba and Polymer. Polymer is synthetic wax, lasts almost 3 times as long as natural Carnauba. I would recommend using a polymer over a carnauba for a boat.<br /><br />Personally, for my always-garaged, never-sees-snow-autombile, I use a good carnauba wax as I get better visual results with a jet black finish on my automobile (A BMW)and longevity is rarely an issue. <br /><br />However, for my boats that I've owned in the past, I've always used polymer-based waxes simply because they hold up better to the natural elements that erode wax. I only WANT to wax a boat once a year because it does take a long, long time. Lots of surface area compared to a car.<br /><br />As a rule, I NEVER use a rubbing compound on any surface except a surface that needs to be completely restored. I do use polishes, in a wide variance of grit. I usually start with the least gritty polish, and if that doesn't work I step up to the next level of grit in the polish. Remember, whenever you step up in grit, you have to step back down again to bring the luster back out.<br /><br />If you want to email me, I can recommend a several brand names of wax to you, depending on your situation.<br /><br />soupnazi60@yahoo.com
 

salty87

Commander
Joined
Aug 12, 2003
Messages
2,327
Re: Compound/Wax

car products 'can' do the trick. the process isn't any different from waxing a car. everyone will have their opinion on their favorite stuff. i have an older dark blue boat and found 3m marine heavy duty rubbing compound to work great for taking the dull haze away. i skimped on the wax 2 years ago and will be dusting of the rubbing compound, again, this year. don't skimp on the wax and don't ask me what kind to get. haha<br /><br />everyone will agree that a good quality variable speed buffer is a good thing to have, though.
 

Ripsnort

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
95
Re: Compound/Wax

To add to Salty's last line in his post...Make sure if you buy a polisher, that it is a RANDOM orbital, or you could damage your gelcoat with too much heat. Personally, I love my Porter cable. Once you start using a random orbital, you'll never do it 'by hand' again.
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,604
Re: Compound/Wax

By the way,the only thing a random orbital polisher is good for is a like new finish and a back scratching.I can do a better job by hand.A variable speed polisher is the only way to go when the finish needs work.Been there-done that.Charlie
 

LubeDude

Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
6,945
Re: Compound/Wax

Personally, I wouldnt have an orbital polisher up my &%$#$%&*, And thats a fact. Man you would have to be a complete Idi*t to burn Gel coat with a polisher, Paint, yes, Gel coat, Get real!<br /><br />There I go, showing off my tact!
 

Ripsnort

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
95
Re: Compound/Wax

Originally posted by LubeDude:<br />Personally, I wouldnt have an orbital polisher up my &%$#$%&*, And thats a fact. Man you would have to be a complete Idi*t to burn Gel coat with a polisher, Paint, yes, Gel coat, Get real!<br /><br />There I go, showing off my tact!
I got one warm to the touch once...(looks around nervously, shifting eyes...) :)
 
Top