Wax/Polish question

[Loose Cannon]

I've been using the search function and researching other sites to learn more about waxing my 240DA. I am leaning toward a two step process: #49 Meguires for any light oxidation, then going with Starbrite Polish PTEF to shine and protect.

I know this is a personal choice, but would like your thoughts on this combination. Also, from those who use Starbrite PTEF, how often do I need to reapply? I am in the northeast, boat in the water April - October. My gel coat is in pretty good shape and my boat is only 24'. Do I need to invest in a buffer for maximum results or just apply/remove by hand?

Appreciate any insights.

 

[knotbehavin]

I just traded in our 2007, Sea Ray 280 Sundancer (white hull) and the gelcoat looked as good as new. We continue to boat out of the Sassafras River (Skipjack Cove Marina) so we share the same basic water/climate conditions. You will probably get multiple opinionated replies just as this one is. I washed my boat and waxed with Meguiar's Flagship Premium Marine Wax at the end of the season once it was hauled out and did the same thing once the shrink wrap was removed in the early spring.
The durability of the wax was excellent and will be what I continue to use on our new to us 2007 Silverton 36 Convertible. Simple to apply, buff and long lasting results. I also use Meguiar's boat soap.

 

[CoralReefer]

I've bought into trying Shurhold's Buff Magic and Pro Polish with their DA Polisher. Probably going to tackle the project toward the end of February. I'll make sure to take before and after pics. I've researched and seems to be good products and results.

 

[Dancin Dave]

I have a makita buffer, I have the boat done by hand. Twice a season. I've done the 450 DA with the buffer, got tired and Had people do it for me by hand. I now have the 580 done by hand also. Too much for me to do with or without a machine. I would suggest doing your boat by hand if the Boat has a good shine. I use only mcguires flagship cleaner wax and pure wax. I had half my 450 DA done with 3m and half done with mcguires, you could see the difference. Went over the 3m side with mcguires.

 

[270SLX]

I like your plan and prefer the polymer polish (I use Pro Polish) to waxes as I found wax tended to yellow my white gel coat somewhat. Not much, but a little, so I stopped using Meguire's Flagship (which is a very good wax if you want wax). To avoid the problem of stripping your wax when cleaning, wipe down with Griot's Speed Shine and use it to clean light water spots and dirt. I wipe down every time my boat comes out of the river with Speedshine and only use microfiber towels that have been washed without fabric softener.

Dennis

 

[David Paul]

I like your plan and prefer the polymer polish (I use Pro Polish) to waxes as I found wax tended to yellow my white gel coat somewhat. Not much, but a little, so I stopped using Meguire's Flagship (which is a very good wax if you want wax). softener.

Dennis

Meguair's Flagship is a blend of of both polymers and waxes. http://www.autogeek.net/boat-wax.html I have used it in the past and found it to be an excellent choice. On a dark colored hull I also think the shine is superior to Pro Polish which I have also tried. I have never tried the Starbrite

 

[Bucit]

I've always used McGuires wax on my boats but I'm intrigued about the Buff Magic, Pro-Polish and Starbright and will try one or all next month. Can you buy all of these at WM?

 

[320Bob]

West Marine by me has all three products but their prices tend to be higher unless you make them price match. I had a $10 off coupon which is why I bought Buff Magic from them but the Strarbrite Premium Polish came from Bass Pro.

 

[Bucit]

The price match with WM is helpful. I bought a Jabsco oil changer a few months ago and saved over $50. The rep looked it up on the internet 9took about 1 minute) and then gave me the unit for the internet price. Can't beat it!

 

[Nehalennia]

So far I really like the Starbrite product as far as the polish with PTef. I am very happy with the Meguiar's #67 to get it to a point to begin polishing. I have been experimenting for a couple years now with some different combinations and still haven't landed on my favorite combo, but the #67 seems to really provide a nice gloss before I finish with the Starbrite polish.

Before

Here's an after shot after using the two products mentioned above. This a straight on shot, which I think proves a better display of shine than the angled shot

 

[hack4alivin]

I use the very same approach at least twice a year on my boat. I will start with Meguiars Cleaner/Wax first, followed by the Starbrite PTEF. Like Scott and Todd here, I have been using the Starbrite for several seasons now and I love the results.

 

[wish2fish]

Does Meguiars Cleaner/Wax have any buffing agents in it? I got the impression it didn't have anything that really "pollished" the gelcoat.

 

[jason78]

Does Meguiars Cleaner/Wax have any buffing agents in it? I got the impression it didn't have anything that really "pollished" the gelcoat.

The original "Flagship Marine Wax" seems to do a good job of cleaning for me. It adverses mild cleaning.

Last year they came out with Meguiars "Cleaner/Wax" that does have some cleaner in it. I use that for the tough spots. I have not yet seen it available in a store.

The bottles are almost indentical so some people seem to confuse the two and call the "Original" a cleaner. Not sure about everyone else but I use the "Original" on most of the boat and the "Cleaner/Wax" for trouble areas.

This page has more info.

http://tinyurl.com/4nrgcff

 

[Bucit]

McGuires cleaner wax is a mild rubbing compound and it works great on light scratches or the dredded black streaks. I usually use some good wax after it.

 

[wish2fish]

the cleaner wax didn't even take of waters spots on my boat. what did you use it with? buffer? what pad?

this is what I used

their description:
A non-abrasive formula that cleans, polishes and protects all boats and RV's in one easy step. Removes light oxidation and haze, minor scratches and swirls. Provides long-lasting protection against salt air, corrosion and the sun's ultraviolet rays. Available in liquid or paste.


How can it be non abrasive and still remove light oxidation? Is the oxidation the previous wax?

 

[jason78]

the cleaner wax didn't even take of waters spots on my boat. what did you use it with? buffer? what pad?

I use a Wool Blend (low cut, non-aggressive polishing) 7.5" Pad on a Harbor Freight Rotary buffer set at, 4 I believe.

First coat removes everything. I put on another coat for extra protection by hand. I keep a spray bottle to mist the wax after applying before removing or the pad could leave swirl marks.

Now with all these guys that keep talking about that Starbrite Polish, I may try that on top of the Flagship next time and see what happens.

 

[jason78]

the cleaner wax didn't even take of waters spots on my boat. what did you use it with? buffer? what pad?

this is what I used

their description:
A non-abrasive formula that cleans, polishes and protects all boats and RV's in one easy step. Removes light oxidation and haze, minor scratches and swirls. Provides long-lasting protection against salt air, corrosion and the sun's ultraviolet rays. Available in liquid or paste.


How can it be non abrasive and still remove light oxidation? Is the oxidation the previous wax?

What are you using to take it off?

 

[Nehalennia]

For a cleaner wax I've always really liked SeaPower. It's simply a great cleaner/wax. HOWEVER!!! SeaPower is made by TR Industries and I emailed them last year about their "Gel-Gloss" product. It's made for the RV market. It is the exact same formula, just branded different and of course much less $$$ than "SeaPower".
http://gel-gloss.com/index.php?pageId=351

 

[The Maestro]

Looks good mate,am thinking about this Shurhold product..Buff Magic followed with Pro polish..Thoughts??? ,Neil

 

[Searaybio270]

I use the very same approach at least twice a year on my boat. I will start with Meguiars Cleaner/Wax first, followed by the Starbrite PTEF. Like Scott and Todd here, I have been using the Starbrite for several seasons now and I love the results.

Bill,
I can attest to the shine. It is truly a great looking boat. :thumbsup: