Buffing

JohnB · #1 03-20-2008, 09:58 AM

I removed the bottom paint from my hull, (stripper/DA) and amazingly, the bottom gelcoat looked very good. I have a couple spyders on the inside chimes, which are on most boats. I will sand them back and touch them up with gelcoat, and probably do the keel too.

In the past, I have used 3M buffer/restorer compound.

My question is, what is the easiest/fastest/best way to buff this back out. I have a 9" buffing wheel.

Islandtrader · #2 03-20-2008, 12:26 PM

Depending on what you want for a final product...sometimes wet sanding with 320/400 first, then with 3m rubbing and finally the polish. Normally this is for the hull sides, not the bottom. However it does look good.

Ed · #3 03-21-2008, 12:01 AM

Use the white colored 3M High Gloss Gelcoat Compound. It is of better quality and requires less work than the standard red colored 3M Superduty rubbing compound which is really designed for paint.

I think AquaBloc? makes a comparable product as well. Ask Offshore Systems on this site...I believed he has recommended it in the past.