What is the the best polsiher for oxidation, small scratches

[Im Lon 2]

What is the best polisher for removing small scratches, and slight oxidation a Dual Action or a Rotary polisher?

Also can you use 7" pads on a 6" polisher?

 

[GT1000000]

Re: What is the the best polsiher for oxidation, small scratches

I would recommend trying a good polishing compound, such as 3M, Meguiar's, Mother's, and there are many others...By hand first in a small area to see if that is all that will be needed to bring back the shine...
Depending on the surface finish, gel coat or paint, you may have to use a rubbing compound first, or even have to sand/wet sand...
Once you have a working plan, I recommend a variable speed polisher and you should practice on either a not too visible section of the boat, or a separate test piece...start out with a slow speed and very light touch, carry the weight of the polisher...
To actually learn to use a polisher and all of the other steps involved in getting a superior shine, requires practice, patience and some more practice...
Sometimes it is best to try and do it all by hand, to prevent the very likely possibility of burning through the surface...
Once you get everything looking nice and shiny, keep it protected by applying a good quality marine wax at least twice a year...
You might also, get some better advice if you post up some good pictures of the scratches, etc...so the real pros can give you some tips...
Good Luck!

 

[gm280]

Re: What is the the best polsiher for oxidation, small scratches

Again I have to totally concur with GT1M's answer. Believe me he does know what he is talking about too. Just look at some of his threads and see his work. Amazing. So follow his suggestions.

I know a guy that was polishing his truck out using a polisher/buffer. He worked on that truck for a week a little at a time. As he was near finish, he got to talking to a friend and burnt through the red finish on the hood of that truck. And so that was over. And it looked amazing up to that point too... So a very gentle hand IS needed if you go that route...

 

[Im Lon 2]

Re: What is the the best polsiher for oxidation, small scratches

Okay I will try a 2'x2' section by hand first, and see how it turns out prior to going with a Polisher.


If by hand does not work my thought was to.... Use a DA Polisher (I have heard they do not heat up like a rotary, to help prevent newbies like myself from burning their Gel Coat) then use an HD cutting pad (Orange), then HD Polishing Pad (Blue), and finish with a HD finishing pad (Black).

Either by hand or by DA, I'm stuck on what product to use. Have seen great results out of the following brands.
3M
Meguiar's - 105, 205, Swirl remover 2.0
HD UNO,

And of course following all these up with a wax to protect it.