If you keep your fiberglass gelcoat clean, wax and stored out of the sun, it will last a long time.If the gelcoat has been subjected to a lot of wear and tear, you need to learn how to buff a boat.The process is simple and not much different from buffing a car, but every boat owner has a different take on it.The basics of buffing a boat are explained in this article.
Step 1: Put the boat on the trailer.
The boats should be secured on the trailer and parked on a flat surface.You won't want to have the trailer attached to your car because you'll be spraying products and moving around on the boat.Before you start waxing and cleaning the boat, you'll want to put the cover on.The cover should be on to keep the interior safe.
Step 2: The exterior of the boat needs to be hosed down.
If the boat has been sitting in the water, it is important to remove all the dirt and gunk from it.Start by spraying plain water across the exterior that needs to be cleaned.Use a clean, wet sponge to start scrubbing.If there are serious spots of build-up, you can use fine-grain 220 sandpaper.Don't use a power washer on your boat because it can damage the finish and affect the gelcoat.A gentle spray is better than a powerful spray.
Step 3: The wax needs to be cleaned from the surface.
Use rags soaked with toluene or another dewaxing solvent to remove traces of old wax, which can keep polish and rubbing compounds from working evenly across the surface of the boat.Light pressure is applied to the rag to sweep it in one direction.You shouldn't have to scrub it very hard to get rid of it.Before buffing, allow the solvent to evaporate.
Step 4: It's a good idea to wash with a proper detergent.
A sponge and special boat soap can be used to wash the surface.Sometimes a small amount of bleach can be used to clean a stained boat.Sometimes lacquer thinner, Varsol or a special degreaser can be used to remove sticky spots.Don't use bleach on wooden boats.Allow the boat to dry after rinsing it with clean water.If necessary, you can use a squeegee to speed up the drying process.
Step 5: Consider using a buffing compound.
The shine of your boat's fiberglass gelcoat can be restored with the use of polish and buffing compound.If you only need light refinishing, choose polish.If the surface is excessively pitted or chalky, you should use a stronger rubbing compound.Use a rubbing compound with care.Gelcoat is very thin and can burn through it quickly, meaning an expensive and time-Consuming repair job.
Step 6: Work toward the bow from the transom.
The rubbing compound or polish needs to be applied in sections of 2 feet (0.610 meters) square.If you are working by hand, use a soft cloth or a foam polishing pad.Apply a circle of polish or buffing compound to the cloth or pad and rub it into the surface using a steady, even, circular motion.The surface becomes glassy looking.You have gone too far if you can see through the gelcoat.Some people swear by hand buffing, while others argue that using a tool helps eliminate streaks and swirls.For better control, choose a low-speed buffer.The tools are less likely to leave streaks.Start at the slower speed if you are using a buffer.Before starting the buffer, touch the pad lightly to the surface so the compound doesn't spray in all directions.
Step 7: Apply polish after use of a buffing compound.
Use the same method if necessary.When applying the rubbing compound, use circular motions and move in the same direction.Dust from the polishing and compounding can be removed by removing the boat and the work area.
Step 8: Choose from a variety of waxes.
Depending on the style and the surface of your boat's gelcoat, the variety of boating wax you use will vary.A protective buffer between the coat and the water can be created by keeping the gelcoat coated with wax.It is recommended that you use boating wax, also in surfing and for other purposes.
Step 9: The same motion is used to apply the buffing compound.
You can apply wax by hand or with an electric buffer.The same motion is used to avoid streaking.You should defer to the product that you buy because different varieties of wax have different directions.
Step 10: It's a good idea to exercise in tight spaces.
Regardless of whether you use an electric buffer or a hand buffer, it's important to keep the buffer from catching on or damaging them.In tight crevices, do the same thing.Keep the screws with the fixture close, so you don't get confused later.
Step 11: The wax should be allowed to dry.
After a small amount of time, the wax should start to look hazy, which means you're ready for a second buffing.To protect the gelcoat, it's important to allow enough time for the wax to set.It should only take a few minutes in the sun.
Step 12: Rub the wax to make it shine.
If you decide to use an electric polisher or a clean hand buffer, use a soft towel or bonnet.As you remove the cloudiness of the wax, the shine should start to pop.