3M Perfect-It Ultrafine Machine Polish

boughtabouy

boughtabouy

New Member
Jun 6, 2008
434
San Diego
Boat Info
Sea Ray 36 SD/Caribe DL12
Engines
Twin 496, 8.1 Horizon/Yamaha 40HP
Hi All,

Has anyone used 3M Perfect-It Ultrafine Machine Polish on their gel coat? Here it is:

http://www.amazon.com/3M-06068-Perfect-It-Ultrafine-Machine/dp/B0015PMQDI

I've heard from some on the dock that it's the "wonder polish". I think the liquid is actually purple. It's sold at San Diego Marine Exchange, which seems to be more of a technical marine parts shop, when compared to WM. WM doesn't sell this, btw. I think there are professionals in the boating industry using this. A neighbor used some, and the polish was night and day, compared to mine. I was using the 3M Cleaner & Wax, followed up by the Scotchguard Marine Liquid Wax. The protection with my system lasts a long time, but I don't get the same shine.

If it makes sense, I'm thinking about making the switch to this from my current program of 6 years.

Any comments from users of Perfect-It?

Thanks,

Kevin
 
I don't use it myself but a guy at our yacht club does on the Navy blue gelcoat of his 44 foot Sea Ray Sedan Bridge. You could shave using his gelcoat as a mirror.
 
I have never used it but it is highly recommended by a friend who works on Gel Coat/Glass. I have thought about trying it but am still unclear if you need to wax before using this product. So far I have had good luck with Star Brite Polish.

I would be interested to know how much cleaner there is in it. As with all 3M products I have seen, they work great but I have never had and luck finding a guide as to to what order to use their products in or many details about each product. Plenty of MSDS sheets on their stuff though.
 
I wonder how Perfect-It compares to Finesse-It. I've been using Finesse it for years. I mist water on the surface as I work, which helps extend the product and reduce the chance of burning. With proper prep, Finesse-It produces a swirl-free, mirror-like finish.
 
I've used the Finesse-it II, as well. Same results - very happy with it. Have never used the Perfect-it, though.

Cleaner/wax is OK, but it'll never compare to a true buffing followed by a good wax. Think about it this way - an 'all-in-one' cleaner/wax can't be great at both cleaning and waxing. It's kind of like it can't make up it's mind which it wants to be. Good stuff, but it will never beat separate steps.
 
I do the separate steps, but my finish doesn't even come close to that of what I've witnessed with Perfect-It. I was thinking of just replacing my Cleaner & Wax with this, and then using the real wax afterwards. From what I've seen, I don't know why everyone isn't using this. Maybe there's something I don't know about it. I have the same concerns as Jason78. What to use, and in what order, if I make the switch to this?
 
3M have the same products with different names. I think Finesse IT II is likely the same as Perfect IT - one is targeted automotive - the other for marine. Their Ultra Paste wax feels and smells the same as their car equivalent...

I use Finesse IT II :) works great
 
kaz911 said:
3M have the same products with different names. I think Finesse IT II is likely the same as Perfect IT - one is targeted automotive - the other for marine. Their Ultra Paste wax feels and smells the same as their car equivalent...

I use Finesse IT II :) works great
Click to expand...

I am almost positive Perfect IT has more grit in it than Finesse IT 2 Glaze (if you were talking about the glaze). In some places on 3M website it does refer to Perfect IT as a marine product. Unfortunately they do not seem to have a table showing what product does what and in what order. My concern with Perfect It is that I worry it might take off too much Gel coat with each use. I try to use the least aggressive method possible to obtain good results. Last Spring I used Finesse IT 2 as a first "cleaner" step and then finished off with 2 coats of Star Brite PTEF Polish and was pleased with the shine and so far the durability.
 
Last edited:
Finesse-It comes in automotive and marine versions. The marine version is twice the price and has the word "marine" on the bottle.
 
Verify the model number on all the 3M products. I have 2 completely different bottles of 'Perfect-It' sitting on my desk. Part Number: 06060 & 06085....I suspect more exist. I've not used them on the boat, but have used Finesse-It 05929. That is my 'go-to' polish
 
Thanks for the link. From what I can see, it looks like the Ultrafine polish is all that would be needed for light oxidation. Maybe heavier oxidation would require the Perfect-It 1 regular machine polish.

And, then probably a coat of the Scotchguard Marine Liquid Wax for lasting protection. Does that sound like a good recipe?

Kevin
 
boughtabouy said:
Thanks for the link. From what I can see, it looks like the Ultrafine polish is all that would be needed for light oxidation. Maybe heavier oxidation would require the Perfect-It 1 regular machine polish.

And, then probably a coat of the Scotchguard Marine Liquid Wax for lasting protection. Does that sound like a good recipe?

Kevin
Click to expand...

I guess I must be overlooking it but I can't see anything in that link that covers Gel Coat, Fiberglass or anything Marine; only automotive paint finishes. Can you post the link you are referring to?
 
sdarc said:
It shouldn't matter as to whether it is a an auto paint or gelcoat finish. Removing oxidation is the same. I have used these products on both auto paint and my boats with equal success. If you want something that says "marine": http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/...82160IOTKATT630O3000000_assetId=1180621579032
Click to expand...


--Not true at all. At least not true with rubbing compounds. Many paint rubbing compounds use a chemical cutting agent, and have little or no grit in them. These don't work on gelcoat. When you use them on gel, the only thing really doing any work is the pad. Gel needs an abrasive cutting compound to remove heavy oxidation. Again, you can use a chemical cut, but you might as well piss on it and move it around with the buffer pad because the pad is the only thing doing the work.

I agree that wax is wax.

I've used gallons and gallons of 3m products, Meguiar's, you name it. Presta is the best, period.
 
I agree that not all auto/marine stuff is interchangeable. I'm sure some is - but I know that some is not. This is also true for waxes - some auto waxes will yellow-out gelcoat. I can't recall exactly which ones offhand, it's been a while since I've dealt with this. But it was enough for me to never to go down that road again. I figured if I paid a couple extra dollars (and that's really all the difference in cost is - if that) for marine stuff, at least I was sure it was compatible with gelcoat. Quite honestly, it wasn't worth my time to try and figure out what automotive products 'might' work, just to save $3.

Although I have never used the Presta stuff, I've used tons and tons of products. What I've found is that the final result often comes down to technique, not the actual product. A lot of people spend a lot of money looking for that 'magical' product. Work on technique and you'll get great results with just about anything. Sure, there's been some stuff that I haven't been happy with, but the major players all have good products.

Wax is another subject that's highly debated. For me, though, the Collinite #885 is it. Have yet to find a product that lasts longer. It's just a pain in the rear end to apply.
 
I talked to San Diego Marine Exchange today, and they confirmed that they sell a lot of this to the professional guys. They also confirmed that the pros apply a wax after. Think I'm going to give it a shot.


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Okay, from all of the responses, I think I understand that perfect-It III is the automotive equivalent of Finesse-It II, and that both remove light oxidation and swirls. Finesse-It recommends the 3M Superbuff compounding pad, while Perfect-It recommends a foam pad. Because of this, I'm wondering if Finesse-It II is used for a little more aggressive oxidation removal.


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