Compounding hull with Presta Gel Coat compounding product

So how do you think it compares to the 3M products? I'm currently 1/2 way through my boat using the 3M Rubbing (Makita @1200), then the 3m "Finess" (@2000), then the 3M wax by hand. I'm pretty happy with the results but the 3 step process is labor (mine & I'm comming up on 50) intensive.
 
I'm sure 390x will know but I can't really say how they compare to the 3m products as I've never given 3m a fair shot through all appropriate steps with the appropriate pads. It wouldn't be a fair comparison. I think that's the key, the right pads and tools and using the right steps. 3m makes good products so should work well. As does BM. I bought the 3m glaze to use after the presta polish but decided not to. I can't see how it can improve what I got. I think no matter what, 3 steps is a given for slightly to severly oxidized areas. Compound, polish then wax. Fortunately, the great majority of my hull is only going to need an easy polish and wax. Only my horizontal surfaces require the cutting creme.
 
I've used gallons of 3m products before I found Presta. The simple answer is that there isn't a comparison. If you have a heavily oxidized surface, 3m doesn't come close. They used to have a compound called Perfect it III Extra Cut that was comparable to Presta Super Cut, but thanks to the EPA, they stopped making it. Notice I said Perfect it III Extra Cut. I still have people argue with me that you can still get it. No you can't. You can get Perfect It 3000 Extra Cut. To anyone who can read, III and 3000 aren't the same. :) Unless you're working with a painted surface, it's absolutely worthless on a boat as it is a chemical cut, not an abrasive cut. It WAS my compound of choice, but since they stopped making it, I had to go on a hunt for something new. That's when I found Presta. I wish I'd found it sooner because it's better, and much cheaper as well. Usually things don't work out that way. 3M Super Duty works ok, but swirls like hell, necessitating the Finesse It, or some other fine compound. You can get a good result with the Super Duty, it just takes more work. The Presta doesn't swirl, or at least not noticeably. Finesse It II doesn't impress me anymore, there are lots of light compounds/polishes that work better and are much cheaper.

I don't want to sound negative, but I know it reads that way. 3M would still have me if they hadn't stoped making the Perfect It III. If you're boat isn't really chalky, lots of things will work. If you have some serious oxidation, there is nothing like the Presta.
 
390x, just curious, do you strip the old wax before you start or do you let the compound do all the work?
 
I've never stripped wax. I've known people that say you need to, but I've never seen a difference. The compound strips it anyway.
 
So, here are the results of my 2 days and 3 step process . . . steps 1 and 2 with a HEAVY milwaukee rotary.

1) Ultra cutting creme on entire hull with yellow 3m wool compounding pad. Thought I would only use on top sides but was so happy with how it broke down and shined that I figured I'd get the boat in all the same condition. It was probably the easiest step as well because the stuff buffs almost completely away. I washed the pad a 2-3 times which was easy enough. I used a little meguiars quick clean to keep the pad moist.

2) Followed with Presta polish with presta's green wood pad. This stuff is more liquidity so had a tendency to sling if you didn't spread it good. It also took longer to for it haze and was a bit more difficult to wipe off. But it does bring out an even deeper shine.

3) Finally, finished with a hand application of Collinite fleet wax. Easy application with a microfiber but kinda tough to wipe off. Easiest when done almost immediately with someone following behind you. But in certain angles I could still see remnienents and probably still have more to wipe off. But wow does the water bead on that stuff!!

Would have loved to have a 3rd day to do it but my condo association would probably be up in arms!

Time for some beers!!

390e8cbd.jpg


605f687e.jpg


b680530c.jpg


9940ae3f.jpg


8e722a2d.jpg
 
Last edited:
alkisearay said:
So how do you think it compares to the 3M products? I'm currently 1/2 way through my boat using the 3M Rubbing (Makita @1200), then the 3m "Finess" (@2000), then the 3M wax by hand. I'm pretty happy with the results but the 3 step process is labor (mine & I'm comming up on 50) intensive.
Click to expand...

Dang.....I've been compounding and waxing cars and boats for more than 25 years and never need to run my Makita over #2 which is 900 rpm...
 
Presta recommends running the rotary at 1800-2200 then for the ultra polish at 1400-2000. Max speed on my milwaukee is 2800 so it was a little bit of guess work. First time, I've ever walked away from a detail job completely satisfied.
 
:thumbsup:Looks great cincy!! Just did mine w/buff magic and followed w/fleet wax that worked awesome too.
 
This stuff is amazing, I did my 300DA today and it is unreal. Easy to use and shines shines shines!

I will post before and after pics.

Thanks for the tip!
 
Darn - too bad I didn't see this thread a couple months ago. I'm very happy with the Buff Magic results so far, but there are a few areas I had to go back with 3M rubbing compound and re-apply Buff Magic. Maybe next season I'll try the Presta products...

Oh, and NICE!!! results in this thread.
 
IMG_0131.jpg
Working on Starboard side, notice you can barely see finger pier where the polisher is.
IMG_0132.jpg
Now you can clearly see the finger pier.


IMG_0134.jpg
The Finished Blue Hull:smt038
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,120
Messages
1,426,613
Members
61,037
Latest member
wojozobl
Back
Top