Polishing paint on 1986 starcraft

[vinh-number]

Hello everyone. Just purchased my first boat and wanting to maintain it's incredible condition. It's a 1986 16.5 ft deep V Starcraft SL. I've got the inside taken care of, I just want to make the paint pop like brand new. Does anyone know what type of paint is used in these old aluminum boats? What can I use to make it shine like new? I don't want to use something too aggressive as it might burn the paint because I have no idea how thick it is. I've been told to start with something light like "Turtle Wax T-241A Polishing Compound & Scratch Remover".

 

[Brian WV]

Nice looking boat. Do you know if the paint is original? Aside from that I would need to see the paint up close to decide where to start. If it has some shine to it already im not sure it would even need a compound. I'd use a DA polisher with so you eliminate the burn possibility.

 

[vinh-number]

I believe it's the original paint. Here's some close up pictures. As you can see there's some marks that goes down to the aluminum.

 

[Brian WV]

thanks for more pics. Doesnt seem much of a clearcoat or anything like that. Id probably get a da polisher and throw something mild at it. Before the DA I would test a spot with hand buff and see what the outcome is. Look for a cleaner wax which is pretty low with abrasives

 

[vinh-number]

Thank you!

 

[gm280]

Try some Meguiars type polishing compounds on an area not easily seen to see how that works out. They make some amazing polishing compounds for most everything. Good stuff...