Wax Stripping - Restoration

[SDSeville]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

I used TSP to clean mine. However, I had been using Vaseline to shine her up the past few years and needed something strong.

 

[frankttaylor]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

I would have thought that a petroleum product such as vaseline woould be hard on boat. Hmmm what do I know? I am truly a cadet.

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

It doesn't hurt the boat, but it sure ruffles feathers on this forum. I was wrapping up my restoration last year and didn't have 10 hours to invest in restoring the gel coat. So I went the Vaseline route -- 30 minute shine. Do a search here and you will find hours of arguments on the subject.

 

[frankttaylor]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

I may give that a try after I do it "old school". I am set back 50 bucks now that I went to WM. It is expensive to be beautiful - now I need to ask for forgiveness from wife.

 

[hostage]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

I may give that a try after I do it "old school". I am set back 50 bucks now that I went to WM. It is expensive to be beautiful - now I need to ask for forgiveness from wife.

I agree with this statement, though just remind her about the beauty supplies she buys. I spent about $125 for everything.

On a side note when I was wanting to get a scuba drysuit for $1,000 my fiance wasn't upset, till I mentioned she was buying a dress that cost more and she only wears it once I think it is the first time in 9 years I have won an argument.

-Hostage

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

I may give that a try after I do it "old school". I am set back 50 bucks now that I went to WM. It is expensive to be beautiful - now I need to ask for forgiveness from wife.

You won't need Vaseline if you shine her up the right/hard way.

 

[frankttaylor]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

From what I have gathered,keeping the boat waxed is the trick.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

Got back from WM and HF not to long ago. Got a 3M boat wax, the other two 3M products QM mentioned and variable speed buffer.

I am going to wash my boat and see how things go today. As the corrosion is only really visible on the green portion of the boat I will try that area first

-Hostage

Just be careful on any pin stripping because you will burn it off. Don't let the buffer set on it keep it moving

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

I am going to try the Dawn dish soap thing first and see if that is all I need.

That is only going to remove any wax. It will not produce a shine

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

From what I have gathered,keeping the boat waxed is the trick.

Wax helps. Some people just use a polish. Sun is the biggest culprit on gel coat especially if it is a dark color. Usually the problem is above the rub rail

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

I was thought 3M wax restorer was supposed to get rid of oxidastion. Is sanding necessary?

Only if it is in really bad shape. Think of it when you rub your hand over the gel coat and the oxidation comes off on your hand

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

Is there a wax that truly protects form UV?

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

Is there a wax that truly protects form UV?

No, but it helps

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

Did another 2 hours. So much for a learning curve...this takes a lot of time. Finished stern and one side -- 4 hours total so far.

 

[tboltmike]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

This is the result of using the 3M products pictured. the last picture is out of date order as this was taken before gel restore
The one with the ruler was hand applied and buffed. The one of the whole boat was the 3M system machine applied and a couple of years later.
The the Finess-it gave a wet looking shine and the Scotchguard seems to hold up well.
Have been using 303 UV protecter (Cabelas) in between waxes usually every 2-3 month intervals. It is very quick and easy to apply
Mike

 

[hostage]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration



This takes a lot longer than I thought, messed up some of the pen striping that I am planning on replacing next week, not a big loss.

I did it until I got a migrane (ouch). I am glad I don't have too much color on my boat. I am wondering if I should get rid of the "cool" decal looking things as they don't seem to hold up all that well.

Also is it bad that there is green on the buffer when I am done ?

 

[louiefl]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

View attachment 157938View attachment 157939
I am wondering if I should get rid of the "cool" decal looking things as they don't seem to hold up all that well.

Also is it bad that there is green on the buffer when I am done ?

Getting rid of the decals is a personal thing, try using a hair drier and a plasic putty knife (round off the corners to minimize the chance of digging in and scratching). Never use a razor blade. Remove any adhesive with mineral spirits or acetone and continue buffing.

If the gelcoat is green, then the green on the pad is oxidized gel coat. You need to clean the pad when it gets loaded up otherwise it will reduce its cutting ability. Soapy water and a soft brush should work, put it back on the buffer and spin at high speed and then blot wth a dry towel. Be careful using a wet / damp pad as it will sling product everywhere.

If the green was painted on, then the green on the pad is oxidized paint. Paint is an order of magnitude thinner than gelcoat, so be careful you don't burn through the paint with the pad. Keep the pad moving, try to keep it flat, and lubricated - sometimes when the pad starts skipping, all it needs is a quick spritz of water from a spray bottle. Too much and it will sling everywhere. Check the temperature of your work periodically, if you can't hold your hand on a freshly buffed painted area, then you are staying in one spot too long and risk burning through the paint. Slow and steady - no need to put a rotary on maximum speed; I never go above halfway and usually about 1/3 full speed. Better control and less chance for damage. For waxing, turn it down even slower and focus on putting on a very thin coat - much easier to wipe off.

I have a ton of detailing supplies, rotary and random orbit buffers and have been doing this for a while. I also have the Harbor Freight rotary buffer and my biggest complaint is that it doesn't maintain a constant speed and wants to slow down / speed up randomly. Cheap way to get into machine buffing, though don't immediately jump to buffing cars - clear coat paint is much different than gelcoat. HF also sells wool pads (compounding) and foam pads (polishing and waxing).

I second autogeek.net - (no relationship) they have a great user forum, videos, etc and lots of products with a section devoted to marine finishing. Service is second to none.

 

[bgc]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

View attachment 157938View attachment 157939

This takes a lot longer than I thought, messed up some of the pen striping that I am planning on replacing next week, not a big loss.

I did it until I got a migrane (ouch). I am glad I don't have too much color on my boat. I am wondering if I should get rid of the "cool" decal looking things as they don't seem to hold up all that well.

Also is it bad that there is green on the buffer when I am done ?

Nope Green on the buffer is not bad.....We still have blue in the parking lot for me wet sanding 3 week ago......

 

[bgc]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

Is there a wax that truly protects form UV?

The marine waxes have a higher level UV blocker in them but nothing is "sun proof". "You can never have too much wax"

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Wax Stripping - Restoration

Looking good hostage.