rubing compound

[sea wolf]

is it safe to use regular automotive rubbing compound on gel coat that has medium oxidation? i'll be doing it by hand, won't use a buffer. any opinions?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: rubing compound

Get the 3M Fiberglass restorer it works better than the rubbing compound. I have done it both ways and by hand it is a labor of love... but it works.<br /><br />Bob

 

[barks]

Re: rubing compound

Found this product in our speical order dept. thought it might be pretty good stuff, since someone took the trouble to speical order it.Well it is. It called GEL-GLOSS.a fiberglass cleaner and polish.great on hot-tubs too. Easy on and easy off.

 

[crab bait]

Re: rubing compound

who makes it ? where can we get it ?

 

[sea wolf]

Re: rubing compound

i've heard of the 3m products but am having a hard time finding any retail outlets in my area that sell them. west marine sells them, but i would, believe it or not have to pay a hazardous chemical shipping fee! unbelievable.

 

[barks]

Re: rubing compound

Crab Bait The company is TR Indurstries,11022 Vulcan St. South Gate CA 90380. Go in search engine (Google.com). Make a few calls around town too. Buffalo'66

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: rubing compound

Most marine supply places can get the 3M and i got mine at a local NAPA.<br /><br />Bob

 

[crab bait]

Re: rubing compound

thanks buffalo

 

[dwarrick]

Re: rubing compound

Just a little advice on the rubbing compound I use a 3M product as well however the product I use contains no wax. You will find after doing your boat with a rubbing compound that contains a wax that it will not give you a clean smooth finish. I use a automotive product that is clear coat safe it is a fine cut. It is called Perfect-It II Rubbing compound 3m part number 051131 or 39002 it comes in a black bottle it safe for machine or hand use. I personally get better results from hand application (no swirl marks) I do a small portion at a time using only horizonal back and forth motions no swirls and a new gelcoat look. After you buff it out use 3M paste marine wax it will last for the entire season. You can get the rubbing compond at any autobody supply house. somethimes they have it at Pep-Boys ot Auto Zones as well. My boat is 4 years old and sits in the water 24X7 and I stand it's finish and shine against any new boat.<br /><br />Just an Idea for you. dan@cdockpirates.com

 

[sho305]

Re: rubing compound

Tips for faded gelcoat:<br /><br />Make sure it is gelcoat and not painted. If paint then use auto based products, stay away from old harsh rubbing compounds.<br /><br />Gelcoat is often clear on the outside, then half clear, then solid color, then the fibreglass hull.<br /><br />The best way I have found is to machine buff with a #1 wool pad and Softscrub! Then use a polish for the final shine. Gelcoat is very hard, and many automotive products for paint do little to it. Sounds stupid, but keep it out of the sun when you can.

 

[Rocnat4]

Re: rubing compound

You can get 3M fiberglass restorer at Walmart's marine isle in sporting goods for less than $9 a bottle. <br /><br />I just ordered from Cabela's the Meguiars Oxidation removal and polishing kit $21, contains a three step process. <br /><br />So far I have only tested the 1st step oxidation remover in a small area but it really seems to outperform the 3M.

 

[Waterrazor]

Re: rubing compound

My boat is a 1995 Scout 172 which I just bought used. Those boats are more of a beige color than white, when their new. Mine is now white from oxidation! You can see a little reflection on the sides but it's very little! The topside has no shine what so ever! Major fade! Is there any help for my hull?<br />I saw the meguiare's kit at west marine but was not sure if I should get that or the 3M stuff!<br />I'm not even sure if it will work cause the color went from beige to white!!!!!<br />Any advice?

 

[chumbucket]

Re: rubing compound

Wizardsproducts.com turbo cut I think i will give this a try this year.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: rubing compound

i found the 3m product at walmart. it worked well, but took 2 applications to remove the chalk. i am now polishing the hull. i started out with nufinish polish. i tried it cause it was rated highly by consumer reports. i wasen't impressed. i bought a bottle of turtle wax car polish $3.99, & am amazed with the results. it even helped to remove some slight chalk that i missed. i started waxing the transom with collonite paste wax, too much work without a buffer. i switched to kit paste wax, $2.99 a can. the transom shines like new! i may be wrong but i think spending $10.-15. on fancy waxes is a waste of $$$. as long as u polish first, i think any wax will work. just my $.02. -

 

[sho305]

Re: rubing compound

Sea Wolf,<br /><br />I think that is the way to go if using by hand. I have used the oxidation removers and they never lasted for long. Want a real quick one? Wipe it down with WD-40 and it will look great, until it washes off. <br /><br />Oxidation needs to be painted over, or removed by machine to truly get rid of it. The sun just breaks it down and you have to get down to the good material underneath, or replace it. Wax is cheap, use it if it works.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: rubing compound

Using a "GOOD" Polish/wax or cleaner is not about $$$cost,<br /> but how well it cleans ,shines, and how long it will last.<br /> <br />It's not always an easy task, if the finish is left to the elements too long!<br /><br />So here is my input after many years of Boating:<br />1.Light oxidation, Collinite # 870.<br />2.Moderate to heavy oxidation, soft-scrub, on a piece of towel,wet,wrung-out, and apply: Followed by the above.<br />3. For best results I prefer not using a machine, apply a 2 sq.ft area at a time with circle motion, then while still damp a horz. motion.<br />You can do one side of a hull, then go back with turkish towel removing in the same manner.(circles, then smooth with a horz. stroke).