[Rhodes22-list] Buffing/polishing products

[Frank Goldsmith]

Thanks, Jesse.  I appreciate those tips — and the idea of checking out YouTube videos.  It’s amazing what one can find there.

Frank

> On Feb 22, 2021, at 9:22 AM, Jesse Shumaker <jesse.laten.shumaker at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Frank, I think you'll find the orbital buffer/polisher to be helpful.
> There are plenty of brands/models to choose from.  I watched a few of
> youtube videos for reference before I did this for the first time and here
> are a few of the tips I recall:
> 
>   - Don't press too hard since you want to make sure it is still moving
>   around sufficiently.  I put some marks with a sharpee marker on the side of
>   the disc facing me so I could easily see how much it is rotating
>   - Always make sure to keep the pad wet with the product you are using.
>   You don't want to damage the paint job with a dry buffer .pad
>   - Don't tackle too big of an area at once and spread some of the product
>   around the whole area before going in detail
> 
> If you choose to use foam pads, they make sets with different levels of
> abrasive/softness.  I used a terry cloth to wipe off the product (polish,
> wax, etc.) by hand after application.  Good luck!
> 
> - Jesse
> 
> On Sun, Feb 21, 2021 at 9:05 PM Frank Goldsmith <goldsmith.cf at gmail.com <mailto:goldsmith.cf at gmail.com>>
> wrote:
> 
>> 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 <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