[Rhodes22-list] Buffing/polishing products

[Frank Goldsmith]

Jesse,

That is very helpful information indeed, exactly what I was looking for — thanks very much.  I do have an unopened 500 ml. bottle of 3M Marine Restorer and Wax that I ordered from Home Depot, but I thought maybe it would not be adequate for the entire hull.  I’ll check out the Meguiars products.  

I have also thought that I should buy an orbital polisher.  A Boat US article recommended a Shurhold buffer/polisher (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OIBRCQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A4ZSBADJP7DJM&psc=1 <https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OIBRCQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A4ZSBADJP7DJM&psc=1>), but it’s a little pricier than the one you mention.  I was tempted by a cordless Dewalt, thinking I could use the same battery as I have in my cordless drill, but from the reviews I’ve read the batteries tend to get exhausted pretty quickly in a cordless buffer.  I think I can string together enough extension cords to reach from the power supply to where my boat is parked on its trailer.

I really appreciate the help.

Best,

Frank

> On Feb 21, 2021, at 9:47 PM, Jesse Shumaker <jesse.laten.shumaker at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Frank,
> 
> I've found that Meguiar's Marine / RV products work well.  If it's been
> awhile and you have oxidation build up, you could go with their 3 part kit
> of oxidation remover, polish, and wax.  You can get that at Amazon, RV
> stores, or auto parts stores.
> https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Marine-Fiberglass-Restoration-System/dp/B0000AY4YT
> 
> Meguiar's also offers some two in one products (polish and wax) if you
> don't have a lot of oxidation to deal with and want to save some time, but
> they probably are not as good as using the separate products.  3M has
> similar products but they tend to cost a bit more.
> 
> I briefly borrowed a rotary polisher and quickly decided that an orbital
> was much easier to handle so I picked up one of those with a foam pad set
> and it made application a lot easier.
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KHP9BW9
> 
> To get around more detailed areas, such as the stern where there are a lot
> of things to get around that the orbital has a hard time reaching, I got a
> buffing pad set (pads with small diameter) to use with my drill.
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014SADBI0
> 
> I dealt with any small remaining spots with just elbow grease and a rag.
> Hope that helps.
> 
> Jesse Shumaker
> S/V Zephyr
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Sun, Feb 21, 2021 at 2:11 PM Frank Goldsmith <goldsmith.cf at gmail.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> Our sailing club is refurbishing the docks, so my Rhodes is perched on its
>> trailer on dry land for while. It’s a handy time to clean the hull, and
>> yesterday I (gently) powerwashed it.  Now I need to get rid of the
>> lingering chalky appearance.  Anyone have recommendations for some good
>> products for polishing or waxing a hull?
>> 
>> Frank Goldsmith
>> s/v “Mary Bess”
>> Lake Keowee, SC
>> 
>>