Meguiars Flagship vs. 3M Scotchguard Marine Wax

[firecadet613]

I've heard a lot of rave reviews about Meguiars Flagship wax, but what about the 3M? That's what I've been using, but it doesn't seem to last as long as they claim it will. I've saw quite a few posts of saltwater guys on here using Flagship and saying it still beads up 6 months after they've applied it...

 

[skolbe]

None of it last as long as you want it to.

 

[Alex D]

As posted in Nehallenia's thread ... I have used Meguiar's Flagship now ffor five years and it is the best in my opinion since it actually is not a wax. It is a polymer compound that is much more resilient than wax. I have used Zaino polymer compounds on my cars since 1998 and swear by them. If the car is prepped righ, i only need to apply it twice a year. have found that I only need one application on our 340 a year since she is kept under roof and I use Starbrite polymer wash & wax to wash her, which actually extends the coating.

 

[sbw1]

I polished my boat with 3m Finesse and "waxed" with the Flagship product last April. Started using it in 2004 and it's the best I've used in 35 years. In fact, I'm getting ready to polish and wax above the rub rail next week to avoid that job in the spring. Honestly though, the boat still shines and beads water. The boat looks brand new after 4 years of use. We boat 6 months, so we have less UV to deal with the boaters in the South. I give it 5 stars. We use weak solution of Ivory Soap to wash. Does not strip finishes.

 

[tphinney]

I used 3M at first and then switched to Mequairs Flagship becuase of the Black Streaks. I don't seem to have the black streak problem with the Flagship and it seems to last longer than the 3M ever did.

 

[Dancin Dave]

Meguires works so well and is so popular, 3m bought it!

 

[sbw1]

I used 3M at first and then switched to Mequairs Flagship becuase of the Black Streaks. I don't seem to have the black streak problem with the Flagship and it seems to last longer than the 3M ever did.

My thought is the black streaks mean the wax is going. My experience is the same as yours with Flagship.

 

[firecadet613]

I used 3M at first and then switched to Mequairs Flagship becuase of the Black Streaks. I don't seem to have the black streak problem with the Flagship and it seems to last longer than the 3M ever did.

I'm experiencing black streaks also...I'll have to give the Flagship a shot.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

I use 3M finesse also followed by Flagship as others here have stated. I was convinced by its ease of application and length of beading/shine...

 

[firecadet613]

3M Finesse is a polish I assume? Apply it with the 7424?

 

[Pseudomind]

What does one recommend for hand applications...is there anything out there which works on gelcoat? Also what is recommended fro cleaning the stainless steel stanchions and rails. Is #0000 steel wool acceptable if there are any bad spots?

 

[Nehalennia]

What does one recommend for hand applications...is there anything out there which works on gelcoat? Also what is recommended fro cleaning the stainless steel stanchions and rails. Is #0000 steel wool acceptable if there are any bad spots?

Any of the same product we're talking about here and a micro-fiber pad, but I prefer the PC or Makita in my hand for better results.

 

[sbw1]

3M Finesse is a polish I assume? Apply it with the 7424?

I use a very old (30 years?) rotary Black and Decker polisher set to 1500 RPMs. I Always use a clean wool pad for the polish and then switch to a clean wool pad for the Flagship. BTW, the pads clean up to be as good as new by tossing them in the washing machine set to gentle cycle along with a few towels to keep them from banging around too much.

 

[KayKook]

So Firecadet, what are you going to do with all the 3M wax you bought when you bought your Four Winns? You need a bigger boat to use it all up. How about a new 2009 230 Sundancer ?

 

[firecadet613]

I think the soap I used last time stripped my wax off, I've got a ton of black streaks. I'll give the 3M one more shot after I get a PC7424 and polish her up. Now how to buy one without the wife noticing...

 

[Pseudomind]

What does one recommend for hand applications...is there anything out there which works on gelcoat? Also what is recommended fro cleaning the stainless steel stanchions and rails. Is #0000 steel wool acceptable if there are any bad spots?

Any of the same product we're talking about here and a micro-fiber pad, but I prefer the PC or Makita in my hand for better results.

Are you saying any of these products will work on the stainless steel stanchions?

What is recommended for cleaning the stainless steel stanchions and rails. Is #0000 steel wool acceptable if there are any bad spots?"

Also was asking about what works by hand without an air or electric buffer You know the old, "wax on, wax off" method. Preferably something somewhat simple to apply and get off.

:thumbsup:

 

[KayKook]

You know the old, "wax on, wax off" method. Preferably something somewhat simple to apply and get off.

:thumbsup:

Pledge for the fiberglass.

Stainless, wipe with white vinegar first, apply 3M Stainless
Steel Polish & Cleaner.

 

[Hampton]

For the stainless, try to minimize oils from the hands, or, after touching, rinse and dry.

 

[firecadet613]

As for the wax, I think the soap I used last time stripped my wax off, I've got a ton of black streaks. I'll give the 3M one more shot after I get a PC7424 and polish her up. Now how to buy one without the wife noticing...

I called the mfg. of the soap I used last time, and they said it is formulated to not strip the wax. Should I apply the 3M after I get her all polished up with the PC7424, or buy some Flagship?

 

[Kurt]

Has anyone used the product by Leverage which is a cleaner-polish-protectant? Here it is http://www.leveragepolish.com/products.php

I have been told by several friends with go-fast boats that this is the only product to use. Apparantly it is a very easy application and removal process meaning no buffing and is a once a year application. I ordered a bottle so I will give it a try and report back.