Suggest a wax for my boat

[kwaltersmi]

I'm looking for an affordable, easy-to-apply, quality wax for my 1978 Irwin. The hull isn't too badly oxidized, but has lost its luster/shine and could use some cleaning/scratch removal.

I don't want to spend big bucks on a wax job, but wouldn't mind sprucing her up if it can be done reasonably. The guys at my marina have suggested products from 3M such as their cleaner wax, restorer wax, ect.

What would you suggest?

[DwayneSpeer]

The 3M products are very good, but use a power application tool. Don't try it by hand. You will be at it for ever and not achieve a good result.

[night0wl]

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...olish-wax.html



Shouldn't use wax to bring out the shine...the hull should have the shine. Wax should protect the hull. Wetsanding isn't really *THAT* hard...just takes a lot of time.

[k1vsk]

The distinction between polish and wax is important; the former used typically with a buffer to bring back the shine and the latter to preserve and protect it. There really is no such thing as a good product which does both simultaneously. There are any number of decent polish products around and despite their claims of superiority, most are equivalent. Everyone has their personal preference but in talking with folks who do this for a living, there is no consensus which is best. Same with wax although most agree a good carnuba wax is preferable for longevity.
You can spend an extraordinary amount of time and effort on this but since most of us have a relatively short sailing season, the issue becomes one of how much time it's worth.

[SVCarolena]

Originally Posted by night0wl

[url]Wetsanding isn't really *THAT* hard...just takes a lot of time.

If your finish isn't too bad (which is what is sounds like), you should be able to avoid wet sanding and, possibly, even compunding. I would start in a small area with 3M Finesse It glaze and a buffer. If that brings back the shine, then follow up with a good paste wax like Colonite Fleet Wax. I would avoid wet sanding and compounding unless it is necessary. If you don't have a lot of experience with a buffer, the glaze will be much more forgiving and less likely to burn through the gel coat.

[gaha_1]

try poly-glow

[josrulz]

Originally Posted by SVCarolena

... then follow up with a good paste wax like Colonite Fleet Wax...

I second the Collinite Fleetwax 885 paste for the final product. We used it last year, and the hull is still pretty shiny a year later. Also, we applied and buffed by hand, all in a few hours. A buffer really isn't necessary. The trick with the paste wax is to use a spray bottle to mist the applicator so it's damp. With it a little damp, you can pretty much pretty much wipe on, wait a few minutes and buff of with a rag. Not saying you should not use machines, just saying we didn't need it.

As others have already said, the wax should protect the shine, not create it, so you probably need some other prep first.
-J

[T37Chef]

Read here: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...olish-wax.html

[kwaltersmi]

Well, I ended up going with 3M Marine Restorer and Wax ($14.95 for 16oz.), despite it being a "one-step" product. I don't have the time or patience for mulitple steps so I think this will satisfy my needs. I also picked up a bottle of 3M Marine Liquid Wax (32 oz. for $4.95) because it was on closeout. I'll use the Liquid Wax over the Restorer/Wax and for "touch-ups" during the season. For $20 and what I hope is about a Saturday afternoon's worth of work, I'm sure I'll be satisfied.

[SVCarolena]

One more suggestion - buy some of the relatively cheap microfiber rags for removing the wax. I'm still amazed how much easier it is to remove was as compared to traditional cotton rags.