Gelcoat detail in cold weather?

CoralReefer

CoralReefer

New Member
Mar 26, 2008
685
Nashville, TN
Boat Info
1987 250 Sundancer
Engines
260 Mercruiser w/Alpha I
I'm curious to how much colder temperatures affect the results. I'm in dry stack now but the temps are still cool indoors. Does the ambient temp affect the performance of the products? Also, what's a good compound with a light cut as well as a final polish?
 
I just checked a bottle of Meguires 45 & some Bow to Stern fine cut polish......neither mentions anything about a workable temperature range. I would think the bigger problem would be trying to work it on a 95 degree day when it can dry out.

Try some of this...

http://properboatcare.com/bowtostgelco.html
 
Thanks avguy. The Bow to Stern sounds like a great product and easy to use. I take it you've had success with it? Did you have to order off their website or is it sold in retail stores (West Marine, etc.)?
 
Honestly can't remember where I got it. I've had it for a while. I first tried it last year when I was detailing an area that was in pretty good shape but just had a few swirls in it. Used the Bow to Stern with a rotary & a wool pad. I was impressed with how nice it turned out.

If you guys have a West marine down there give them a call......they might carry it.
 
CoralReefer said:
I'm curious to how much colder temperatures affect the results. I'm in dry stack now but the temps are still cool indoors. Does the ambient temp affect the performance of the products? Also, what's a good compound with a light cut as well as a final polish?
Click to expand...

I polish my boat outdoors in April. We usually have temps in 40s when I begin at 10AM and get up to maybe low to high 60s when I'm finishing up around 5PM. Use 3M finnesse it and McQuires Flagship below the rub rail and do the remaining parts in my slip (with a different wax) when the temps warm up. I think you would have these temps much sooner than we do in west Michigan. I've never had any temperature related issues with these products which is why I use them. I have had high humidity related problems that caused the wax to become sticky and very difficult to remove. Stopped using paste wax on the hull for that reason.
 
I have compounded and polished my boat at a 50 degree or so temperature in indoor heated storage with no problems. If you use an electric buffer like I do, the friction will raise the surface temperatue so you should consider this. Innate also made gelcoat repairs at these temperatures with no issues with Spectrum Gelcoat repair paste that is color matched to mybexact color. If you become a silver or better member you can have access to the technical corum that has several good videos on making these repairs along with some good member advice.
 
I agree I don't think temps will bother it. If anything cooler will prevent it from drying too quick allowing you to work a larger area at a time.
As far as polish for a white hull boat I still swear by 3M Extra Cut Compound Part# 6060. Good cut with a very fine finish. I have glazed over this and barely notice an increase in shine. Again this is on white so if it is leaving swirls they will be harder to spot. I would like to try it on a colored hull just to see the results. Rotary buffer with a Super Buff SOFT wool pad for best results.
 
I've got access to a Dewalt rotary. I'm thinking of buying a Shurhold dual actual, 5'' polisher. Anyone use this for routine polishing? I'd be using the Dewalt for the compound and then the Shurhold for final polish.
 
Is that product sold in stores or web order only? I'm always wanting to try something that others have had success with. I've used regular rotary but haven't quite mastered the technique. The Shurhold polisher looked easy to used but not sure how it will do on the compounding. Thanks again for the link on the product.
 
CoralReefer said:
Is that product sold in stores or web order only? I'm always wanting to try something that others have had success with. I've used regular rotary but haven't quite mastered the technique. The Shurhold polisher looked easy to used but not sure how it will do on the compounding. Thanks again for the link on the product.
Click to expand...

I buy it online. It is a pro Detailer site. I have used it with my Cyclo polisher with great results . The Cyclo is a great although heavy machine. Best for car use. I am interested in the Shurhold polisher as it looks more boat friendly.
 
Learning to use a rotary can be frustrating at times but don't give up on it completely. Once you get the hang of it I think you'll find it much more effective & faster than an orbital for most projects. The orbital does has it's place in your arsenal though. I've never used the Shurhold but I do have a couple of Porter Cable's as well as the Cyclo and I use them all. As Uplate mentioned, you can get the Light cut (or smooth cut they call it now I guess) at Topoftheline.com. I've used a ton of that stuff on both my automobiles as well as the boat. Does a great job.

Also, make sure you match the correct pad/product/machine to the job you're trying to do. No sense in compounding an area for 30 minutes when you could have had it done in 10 min with the right combination :thumbsup:
 
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