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Auto Cleaner on Gelcoat


WakingMeHappy

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My plan today was to work on getting some oxidation off my gelcoat but when I looked at my cleaning supplies I'm out of Collinite and no one around here sells it. I still want to get this done today so the question is: can I use auto rubbing compound? Is there another product that will work better?

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My plan today was to work on getting some oxidation off my gelcoat but when I looked at my cleaning supplies I'm out of Collinite and no one around here sells it. I still want to get this done today so the question is: can I use auto rubbing compound? Is there another product that will work better?

I wouldn't use auto rubbing compound. Your marine dealer should have something like starbrite or 3m available.

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The only thing my local marine dealer carries is Meguiar's which I don't like. There is a dealer up in Memphis that carries Babe's wax/cleaner but I've never used it before.

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While products formulated for gelcoat are going to give you the best result using automotive products are not going to hurt anything either. From a rubbing compound perspective using a quality product and the correct abrasive is going to be more important. I prefer to go light and work more than taking a chance of burning through. From a "finding marine products" perspective our local Meyer and auto part stores typically carry products by Mother's and 3M that I wouldn't hesitate to use.

I recently was in a similar position and wanted to throw a quick coat of wax on the boat. I use Zymol on my cars and used it on my boat. Was surprised on good it looked and is still holding up after over a month sitting on the Shorestation.

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I had bad oxidation and fading...

I used Meguiar's M105 Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound, 6.5" Chemical Guys Cutting Pads and a Porter-Cable polisher and blasted everything with the Cut compound. It literally looks brand new now (check my pictures)... I'm sure its similar to the results you would get if wet sanded, but it only took about 2 hours from start to finish for the whole boat (including prep time)

Don't forget to wash your boat afterwards and then wax multiple times!

Here is exactly what I bought:

Cutting compound (8 oz was enough for the whole hull):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003LMGDHI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Chemical Guys Buffing Pads (in reality, for the cutting, you only need the yellow pad, but the kit is awesome if you want to wax and everything else) :

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTGDRB8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Polisher:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002654I46/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Polishing Backing Plate (6 inch):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0020K0DJG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is what I have been waxing with, but I'm not sure if I like it all that much... Its easy to apply, but doesn't feel like its working as well? I don't know - I'm not an expert.

3M-Scotchgard Marine Liquid Wax:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchgard-Marine-Liquid-1-Liter/dp/B0016H2MFW/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=1-3&keywords=3m+marine+wax

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Nothing wrong with using auto products...even the marine collinites is the EXACT SAME as the auto-counterpart, just marketed differently.

WMH, what collinites product were you planning use for oxidation removal? the cleaner? If so, that wont cut much anyway. Recently I've bene happy with the 3m finesse it II and its pretty widely available.

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This is what I have been waxing with, but I'm not sure if I like it all that much... Its easy to apply, but doesn't feel like its working as well? I don't know - I'm not an expert.

3M-Scotchgard Marine Liquid Wax:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchgard-Marine-Liquid-1-Liter/dp/B0016H2MFW/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=1-3&keywords=3m+marine+wax

If you want some really tough wax then try this stuff and make sure not to let the wax dry on the boat.

Wax

http://www.collinite.com/marine-wax/fleetwax-paste-wax/

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Well nothing got done with the gelcoat today. I spent the day mowing/edging the lawn and working on the teak swim platform....which is really looking sweet. That gives me a little more time getting the right product for the gelcoat.

What do you of Mequier's Clay Kit? I've used the clay bars on my car and they work pretty good.

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I really hate waxing boats but I really like shiny boats. My solution, liquid turtle wax cut with distilled water in spray bottle. Spray on, wipe after every use. Been doing on four bu's and all were/are always shiny. I also wash my cars with Turtle wax squirted in a bucket of hot water except for the windows and my cars are always shiny as well.

I call it my lazy man's wax job.

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I really hate waxing boats but I really like shiny boats. My solution, liquid turtle wax cut with distilled water in spray bottle. Spray on, wipe after every use. Been doing on four bu's and all were/are always shiny. I also wash my cars with Turtle wax squirted in a bucket of hot water except for the windows and my cars are always shiny as well.

I call it my lazy man's wax job.

I use the eagle one marine wax as you dry every couple trips out. Same concept and it keeps the boat pretty slick. Only do the paste wax - Collinite once a year before it gets put away. The truck I wash a couple times a year and never wax it .

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