Oxidation Buffing & Polishing

[arefftx]

I understand that electrical orbital buffers without a variable speed control are not good to use on the boat finish because they rotate too fast. What speed (RPM) is best for applying wax, cleaner & final buffing, etc. I am in the market to buy an electrical buffer & could use some advise. I could also use any suggestions for removing oxidation and what finishes are best for the final coat?

Thanks

Grumpy Al 🙁

 

[pugtug613]

I use 3M wax & cleaner with a random orbital polishing machine and finish by hand.

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

I recommend 300 to 600 RPM as faster speeds tend to burn the wax. It also depends on the materials you use. West Marine has a nano compound that is good for oxidation but I recommend a terry cloth towel for removal of the compound.

Pat
Ladybug, Too

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Grumpy Al:

There was great article in BoatUS last year that speaks to the variable speed buffers. I can not seem to lay my hands on it however you could Google it on the BoatUS sight. I ended up buying an inexpensive one at Harbor Freight, along with all the necessary pads, and it works great for all the various applications.

As far as oxidation and final coating I've used the following for different levels of cleaning.
1.3M Rubbing Compound for heavy oxidation like the brows, the roof of the boat and maybe the leading edges around the bow of the boat.

2. If I use the rubbing compound I then go over that area again, but this time with a Meguiars #3 machine glaze or 3M Finesse-It II Glaze and finally a coat of 3M Paste Wax

3. If the oxidation is very light or if you have very fine scratches I just use the Meguirars Machine Glaze or 3M Finesse-It II and then go to the wax.

Keep in mind all of this should be done with a little direct sunlight as possible, which is where I'm heading to finish up the roof of Kismet.

Hope this helps,

Jim F

 

[arefftx]

Thanks to Pat & Jim for all the great advise about buffing /cleaning ..........I acquired a inexpensive variable (6 Speed)buffer from Harbor Freight, even caught the tool on sale. I also bought several different foam & bonnet attachments to do the job correctly. I'm scouting the internet to see where I might get the 3M products for cleaning & waxing. I should have "The Lone Ranger" looking great and ready to ride off into the sunset!

Thanks again......

Grumpy Al 😉

 

[Brian B]

Many tug owners have recommended Prizm Polish and their Mirage Sealant, both can be purchased on Amazon.
I used both products in May along with the Harbor Freight 6" variable speed buffer and their foam Velcro pads. So far the finish has held up very well on the blue hull. I did use a more agressive compound initially made by Presta to remove oxidation, the Prizm wouldn't cut it. I then followed up with the Prizm and two coats of the Mirage Sealant.
A damp terry cloth towel removes the compound fairly easily, do a small area at a time, do not let it dry.