Waxing ... Polishing ... Yada, Yada

Rono007

Rono007

New Member
Dec 17, 2009
796
Danbury, CT
Boat Info
2001 SR 230BR Signature Series
Engines
7.4L Bravo III
Don't have time to review your choice.

My choices:
Rotary buffer with wool pad and Compound/Cleaner.
Finish with random orbital with soft foam pad and Wax/Protectant of choice.
If really ambitious, add a step in the middle with polish - if the polish is all alone, use foam pad. If combined with compound, use the wool.

Good luck.
 
Shurhold Orbital Polisher
Buf Magic
Pro-Polish
Serious Shine
Wool pads
Foam pads

That's all you need.
 
Hampton said:
Don't have time to review your choice.

My choices:
Rotary buffer with wool pad and Compound/Cleaner.
Finish with random orbital with soft foam pad and Wax/Protectant of choice.
If really ambitious, add a step in the middle with polish - if the polish is all alone, use foam pad. If combined with compound, use the wool.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

+1 :thumbsup:.....ditto
 
I used the Shurhold DA with wool pad and Buff Magic and finished with foam pad and Pro Polish. I was extremely happy with the results and was really easy to use. You'll get a better cut using an orbital with higher speed and wool pad but you have to be careful not to burn the gelcoat. Depending on the condition your gel is in, I'd recommend the Shurhold simply because it's easy to use and foolproof. Good luck and shoot us some pics.
 
Hampton said:
Don't have time to review your choice.

My choices:
Rotary buffer with wool pad and Compound/Cleaner.
Finish with random orbital with soft foam pad and Wax/Protectant of choice.
If really ambitious, add a step in the middle with polish - if the polish is all alone, use foam pad. If combined with compound, use the wool.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

same here. if your only getting one machine get a buffer. the D A just isn't aggressive enough to cut heavy oxidation, or light for that matter. in my experience with the porter cable products any way.
 
Thanks everyone for the replies.

I did do a search and read heavily on it last season, and to be honest, it's a subjective subject with lots of opinions and I get very confused reading everyone's remedies. Last season I took it to someone to wax and polish at $10/foot.

I chose the ShurHold DA because it looked easy for a beginner like myself (never done this before ... ever), my gelcoat and boat is in great condition (no oxidation), my boat is small (25' w/ platform), and I'm looking to enhance it's shine and protect it.

I think Post #3 is where I will start and post some pics in the next week after I order and get the products.

It looks like the ShurHold site is more expensive and I can get a better deal off Amazon. If anyone knows where better deals are, I'm all ears.

Once again CSR comes to my rescue! Thanks again!
 
Ron,
What I would do is go to either one of these sites:
http://www.autodetailingsolutions.net/car-auto-polishers.html
or
http://properboatcare.com/duopopaac.html
I've used both. If you are not going to get a rotary, get at least three separate pads. One for compounding, one for polish and one for wax (or Starbrite polish w/PTEF). Read the site's info on each pad for the different applications.
I've found the best results, even with what you say is "no oxidation" is a #67 Meguiar's for light compounding (it has diminishing abrasives) to really get your gelcoat popping, before polish. Have a look at the above sites for a compounding pad. Next pad dedicate for your polish of preference. I've been using the Starbrite polish with satisfaction. The PTEF really is a protectant in place of wax, so you may be able to stop at this point if you're satisfied. The third pad is dedicated for wax or Starbrite polish w/PTEF (if you use a different polish). I also bought some microfiber bonnets for buffing and removing the product in between products. Dedicate these to to each product removal.
I begin my spring shine up this weekend as well. Best of luck, it's satisfying.
 
Last edited:
I got buff magic, pro polish, and serious shine right from Marine Max. They were even cheaper than amazon.
 
Buy the rotary - you might need it someday. DA just cant handle the heavy stuff.
Use foam pads in lieu of a wool pad - little chance to burn gelcoat. Lake country makes great pads with varying degree of cut. A finish pad with a non-agressive wax (not compound if no oxidation) will shine her right up and have no risk of damaging gelcoat.
 
What "rotary" should I look into? You don't think the DA will be good enough to maintain what I already have?
 
Since you need to buy something, I was suggesting the rotary. The DA will work fine for what you need to do now. But, if you ever find yourself with oxidation, it might not work for that. The rotary will work for both scenarios. If you are sure you will never get lazy for a year and end up oxidized, get the DA.

I typically stick with the main players for brands (makita, dewalt, etc). However, lots of people go with an inexpensive Craftsman or even Harbor Freight brand since it will get used a few hours a year for a typical boat owner and likely last as long as the boat under that use.
 
I got the Makita 9227C. I have heard nothing but good things about it, and it seems like a very capable tool.
 
I would use the orbital Shurhold product since you stated you have never done this before. I agree the rotary would work better if your gelcoat was heavily oxidized but in your case the orbital, Buff Magic and Pro Polish (or any type of wax) will work just fine.
 
Bucit said:
I would use the orbital Shurhold product since you stated you have never done this before. I agree the rotary would work better if your gelcoat was heavily oxidized but in your case the orbital, Buff Magic and Pro Polish (or any type of wax) will work just fine.
Click to expand...

I think that's what I am going to do. I really don't want to screw anything up, just enhance and protect. I also want to save a few bucks and gain some pride. Last year when I got compliments on the wax/shine it was nice, but how much better will it be after I have done it myself?!

:)
 
I bought the Shurhold orbital last year and it works great. This is the first year I used the Buff Magic and the Pro Polsih and I was very happy with the results. My gelcoat was in very good condition but after this process it looks better than brand new. I think you will be more than happy with it.
 
Ron
Yes the Makita 9227C is a great unit and is what I use before the orbital. It does speed up the compounding process.
 
Just bought the Shurhold and plan to use Starbrite Cleaner Wax first, then Star Brite Marine Polish with PTEF - I have some very light dull areas but gelcoat is in good shape. Thought I would use the Shurhold to apply cleaner wax using wool pad, then wipe off by hand with microfiber cloth. Then apply and remove the Polish w/ PTEF by hand.

Starbrite users, my question is, can I instead also apply the Marine Polish w/ PTEF with the Shurhold (w/ foam pad I assume)? If so, what speed setting to use on the Shurhold for Cleaner Wax and Polish application? Thanks.
 
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