how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

[lucas_chrysler_1]

i have a 1983 vanguard banshee. the paint is really rough. I know i need to wax it and it will help, but what is the best marine wax to use, for best shinyness (is that a word?) it doesnt have to be really smooth i just want it really shiny

 

[skargo]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

Vaseline in the hot sun.

 

[KBHumphrey]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

2000 grit over a sanding block, rubbing compound, marine wax. There's a lot of elbow grease involved, but it gives you an excellent result.

 

[25contender]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

The best products that ive used is 3M. clean the boat with a good boat soap, 3M rubbing compund, 3M Perfect-It 3000 Swirl Mark Remover, and some wax. My old mans a professional yatch painter, i learned from the best . products could be a little pricey but nothing too bad. invest in a good buffer too, low to medium speed, will make it look brand new

 

[skargo]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

It's your choice, spend a ton of time or do it the easy way and go boating!

 

[AZSenza]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

With temps around 105 here in the Snow Covered state of Arizona, I've been considering the vasaline method...
TOO Dang hot to wax on-wax off

 

[Roebuckridge]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

I used Meguires Boat/RV three stage fiberglass renew kit last saturday on my Stingray and it worked very well.

 

[skargo]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

With temps around 105 here in the Snow Covered state of Arizona, I've been considering the vasaline method...
TOO Dang hot to wax on-wax off

exactly, it's terrible here too!

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

That's cruel to tell a man to do that!!

 

[lucas_chrysler_1]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

how long does vasalene last? lol. i know im taking the cheap easy way. i tried turtle wax, it felt and looked great! for all of an hour but ill probably go with the 3m stuff. i worked in a shop next to a body shop, and thats all they used. thanks!

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

The vaseline trick must work well on some tubs. It was a huge disappointment on mine.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

Vaseline in the hot sun.

90 wt. lower unit dope does a much better job... sure, your boat will smell like cat whizz... but as long as you can smell it, you know it's working!!!

You shouldn't have to reapply for a couple of months.

 

[skargo]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

how long does vasalene last? lol. i know im taking the cheap easy way. i tried turtle wax, it felt and looked great! for all of an hour but ill probably go with the 3m stuff. i worked in a shop next to a body shop, and thats all they used. thanks!

Last time I applied it was 3 summers ago.

90 wt. lower unit dope does a much better job... sure, your boat will smell like cat whizz... but as long as you can smell it, you know it's working!!!

You shouldn't have to reapply for a couple of months.

Wrong, I can tell by your response you've never tried it. No smell, and it lasted 3 seasons. Gear oil sure does stink though, aye? I remember spilling it in a vehicle once, I ended up replacing the carpet.
Just to clarify, since so many think that petroleum jelly actually has petroleum in it, it doesn't. It's a byproduct
Keep spending all that money and time LOL.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

wet sand with 1000 grit, then 1500, then using a buffer and cutting compound from your local paint store (or Mequiars hull restore) buff it. then using quick glaze or Mequiars cleaning wax, buff it again. then wax it a few times.

works on dock rash repairs, oxidation, etc. if your down thru the gelcoat, then you need to repair the gelcoat.

 

[clockwatcher]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

I picked up a Makita polishers this year (http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9227CX3-Electronic-Polisher-Sander-Polishing/dp/B0001GUE8Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311453637&sr=8-1). I used 3M imperial compound, Finesse-It II and ultra performance wax. It worked great. Best used in the morning when temps are lower. Do a search and you'll find a 3M video on how to use their stuff.

 

[lucas_chrysler_1]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

ok thanks. ya im going to try the vasaline. does the vasaline leave the boat greasy at all? or does it rub in like with wax?. im going to be doing a transom on the boat during the winter, so i will do a proper job then too, i just want it to look good this summer, with little effort!
thanks

 

[Fireman431]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

Wet sand and then paint with Awl Grip. No waxing ever again. Hard as nails finish.

 

[produceguy]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

I did the vasline on mine , turned out great and alittle greasy and with all the dust we get you can only imagine the mess that makes.

 

[lucas_chrysler_1]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

where can i buy awl grip? and i know with my grandpas old boat, we used to put baby oil on it, and it was slicker than a greased eal in the rain!

 

[skargo]

Re: how do i make my boat smooth and shiny?

ok thanks. ya im going to try the vasaline. does the vasaline leave the boat greasy at all? or does it rub in like with wax?. im going to be doing a transom on the boat during the winter, so i will do a proper job then too, i just want it to look good this summer, with little effort!
thanks

I slathered it on yesterday, and let it bake in the sun. Today I used some red rags and wiped it down good. Then I tool a roll of paper towels and got the majority of the rest off, it removes scuffs and ground in dirt too. Then I sprayed her down with water and watched the water roll off. Looks good!

Wet sand and then paint with Awl Grip. No waxing ever again. Hard as nails finish.

I might go down this road myself one day, for a color change. How do you apply AG? Is it done the "roll and tip" method? I've seen some brush/roller paint jobs on boats that looked spectacular!