Tips For Compound, Polish & Wax

[arisatx]

Originally Posted by SVCarolena

Like the Dog said, or another alternative is that I've seen buffing pads that will fit a palm sander (the round random orbit kind). However, I've never used one so can't comment on how well it works.

Metabo SXE400

The 3" pads from Griots work well on the unit also.

[hazmat17]

thanks folks - been eying the fein for other purposes....

[T37Chef]

Originally Posted by SVCarolena

Seems like the problem is applying the Finesse It with a cotton rag. In order to get the best polish (and this is the step that really brings out the shine), you need a good buffer and foam pad for the Finesse It. Anyway, try the Finesse It with a buffer before resorting to wetsanding, I think you will be pleased with the results.

Used the Finesse It last year for the first time, makes a huge difference. Many people commented on how good the hull looked, and it has kept the shine.

The only thing I have been doing in addition to what MS suggest is apply Interlux Teflon Wax Sealer, it's easy to apply and seems to prolong the bead and shine, but I cant say its doing anything significant?

[jetdrvr393]

Many thanks for the great article. I have followed your instructions and my 31 year old hull looks great. Now it's time to do the topside and I have a couple questions. I bought the Makita polisher and am concerned about the windows and other detail areas that are smaller than the the diameter of the wheel. How do I go about getting in to those areas and can I tape of the windows with blue masking tape safely to avoid them? Or do they make a smaller diameter buffing wheel I can use in these areas?

Thanks

Joe

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by oomfh

Do I care if I get On & Off on my bottom paint if I'm going to sand and paint the botton after I clean, polish and wax the hull?

Yes, especially if it is ablative. The acids will eat the copper right out of it..

[sailingdog]

Actually, no, if you're going to sand and paint the bottom AFTER you clean and polish the hull.

Originally Posted by oomfh

Do I care if I get On & Off on my bottom paint if I'm going to sand and paint the botton after I clean, polish and wax the hull?

[Paalderson]

thank you so much for the informative post. We purchased a new Jeanneau in August of 09, the hull obviously looks pretty good and I would like to keep it that way. I am unsure after reading through your post where to begin with a new hull and would appreciate your thoughts. Also Jeanneau is known to wax the molds pretty heavily, is this detrimental to the process and how do I determine that? Thanks again...
Patty
s/v Patriche II
Jeanneau 50ds
Annapolis

[rmtayloriii]

I've got the same year of boat in fresh water. Finesse It II then wax. That's all you should need. If you can keep after it regularly that's all you should need for a long time.

Blue Foam from LCC for Finesse It or the 3M foam that has been recommended. I don't see any difference between the two.

I also got a small random orbital polisher from Griot's Garage for the deck which saved me a lot of time and worked well. I highly recommend it for large cockpits and decks.

I haven't found a place that carries Presta stuff so I have not tried any of their products but would like to.

BT
Catalina 400

[arisatx]

Originally Posted by rmtayloriii

...I haven't found a place that carries Presta stuff so I have not tried any of their products but would like to.

BT
Catalina 400

BT:

Try Presta Online Store - Home

[gallilaw]

I have a 23-year-old 27.5 foot sailboat and don't plan on getting anything bigger. I have read some reviews of random orbital sanders, and other reviews of polishers (buffers), but I can't help asking:

Can anyone recommend one tool of reasonably good quality that could perform well as both an orbital sander and a polisher? I know that such a tool might not equal the performance of the best single-purpose sander or single-purpose buffer, but there might be a tool out there that will perform well enough in each category for the limited number of hours I will be using it each year.

Thanks.