Top deck faded

[James W. Starr]

What kind of polish do you recommend to remove the haze and bring back a nice finish on my 1987 Sea Ray Seville 17 foot?

 

[James W. Starr]

My boat has been garage kept 30 years

 

[Boater420]

Welcome to CSR!

3M makes some fine products. They make two formulas for oxidation...heavy and light. The light is basically a cleaner wax, the heavy is more like a compound. It all really depends on how much oxidation your boat has as to which product you use.

Using the cleaner wax will save you the second step of removing the fine swirl marks you'd get after using the compound style product.

 

[JVM225]

I’ve been using Gel Coat Labs compound and polish the last couple of years and like it.
You’ll need a rotary and the appropriate wool pads to use with them.

 

[boatman37]

I like the Presta Super Cut and Gel Coat products.

 

[BillK2632]

I've used about every boat wax out there and honestly most of the big names are about the same IMHO (3m, Meguiars, StarBrite, Shurhold etc). My boat is stored indoors so, keeping a shine on is pretty easy. I have landed on these 4 products for waxing polishing.

1. Polish/Compound - Shurhold Buff Magic
Use this for any faded areas, buffing out scratches etc. A few years ago I did the hole boat and have kept it in shape since moving it indoors. It's always been covered, but my old dock just had a roof and got sun exposure in the afternoon.

2. Cleaner wax - StarBrite Cleaner Wax
Use this for annual 1st coat of wax.
3. StarBrite Marine Polish with PTEF / or Meguiars Flagship - I like both equally.
Use this for annual 2nd coat of wax
4. Meguiars Spray wax and Detailer
Use these throughout the season to freshen things up after a wash and periodic cleanups.

My boat is small, I do most of my waxing with a 6" Orbital buffer and by hand. For the times I have needed more I have used a drill attachment. Like others have said, if you have moderate oxidation an orbital buffer is not going to do the job, invest in a real buffer and the proper pads. The above is what works for me.

Wax is like motor oil, everyone has an opinion, and most are ok. Just pick a good brand, following the process and take your time. I actually enjoy an early spring day of waxing the boat.

compound > polish > wax > cold beer

 

[James W. Starr]

Welcome to CSR!

3M makes some fine products. They make two formulas for oxidation...heavy and light. The light is basically a cleaner wax, the heavy is more like a compound. It all really depends on how much oxidation your boat has as to which product you use.

Using the cleaner wax will save you the second step of removing the fine swirl marks you'd get after using the compound style product.

Thank you for the info. I have applied Gelcoat. It has definitely helped.

 

[James W. Starr]

I've used about every boat wax out there and honestly most of the big names are about the same IMHO (3m, Meguiars, StarBrite, Shurhold etc). My boat is stored indoors so, keeping a shine on is pretty easy. I have landed on these 4 products for waxing polishing.

1. Polish/Compound - Shurhold Buff Magic
Use this for any faded areas, buffing out scratches etc. A few years ago I did the hole boat and have kept it in shape since moving it indoors. It's always been covered, but my old dock just had a roof and got sun exposure in the afternoon.

2. Cleaner wax - StarBrite Cleaner Wax
Use this for annual 1st coat of wax.
3. StarBrite Marine Polish with PTEF / or Meguiars Flagship - I like both equally.
Use this for annual 2nd coat of wax
4. Meguiars Spray wax and Detailer
Use these throughout the season to freshen things up after a wash and periodic cleanups.

My boat is small, I do most of my waxing with a 6" Orbital buffer and by hand. For the times I have needed more I have used a drill attachment. Like others have said, if you have moderate oxidation an orbital buffer is not going to do the job, invest in a real buffer and the proper pads. The above is what works for me.

Wax is like motor oil, everyone has an opinion, and most are ok. Just pick a good brand, following the process and take your time. I actually enjoy an early spring day of waxing the boat.

compound > polish > wax > cold beer

Thanks Bill for your thorough explanation. I do have a high speed buffer but need to get as you say the "right pads". Thanks again. I just ordered a new cover to protect. I have a 2017 35' Keystone fifth wheel under my only port. Happy boating.

 

[James W. Starr]

I’ve been using Gel Coat Labs compound and polish the last couple of years and like it.
You’ll need a rotary and the appropriate wool pads to use with them.

Yes sir I did apply Gelcoat. I use it on my 2017 fifth wheel and found it to be a great product. I will need to crank up my high speed buffer for a deeper luster. I'm happy for now with the protection plus I ordered a new boat cover. Thanks for your input.

 

[James W. Starr]

I like the Presta Super Cut and Gel Coat products.

Yes sir using Gelcoat. I will have to check out Presta Super Cut.

 

[boatman37]

Yes sir using Gelcoat. I will have to check out Presta Super Cut.

The Presta SuperCut is stronger than the Presta GelCoat but both are very good