Buffing a painted boat

Steve, It's buffed just like you would glass only not as aggressively. I would try one of the marine cleaner/waxes first. If it doesn't do anything then start with some of the lighter compounds. The imron is really pretty tough. It's just like buffing out a cars paint job. BTW, I buff my varnish. A good buffer and a good pad like a 3M 2+2

RainDog wrote: So, marine wax is formulated not necessarily for gel vs. paint, but more for the constant exposure to water? I have some Turtle Wax rubbing compound (regular and HD) on the shelf. Is this OK to use this if I need something more aggressive than cleaner wax? The buffer I got from my Dad is a 7" 2400/2900 rpm electric rotary buffer/sander. Is this acceptable for buffing auto paint?

Steve, I think marine wax is better suited to adhering to gelcoat- but a good quality wax (either auto or marine) will do you fine.

In order of harshness (starting with the least aggressive), Id try cleaner wax, then polish, then compound. If youre just trying to restore color and shine, then the cleaner wax will likely do that. Be very careful with the compound on the paint.

The rotary isnt ideal- its not hard to burn paint with one (I wont take my rotary to my car for fear of this). A random orbital polisher is much safer. In the hands of a pro, a rotary is a great tool- but proceed with caution.

62 wood wrote: Be particularly cautious around sharp corners and edges with a rotary buffer....very easy to burn thru the paint there.

Absolutely! Steve if you go rotary, you want to angle the buffer so the pad rotates over the edge instead of into the edge.

RainDog wrote: still has some gloss to her, but I'd like to try and buff/rub it out.

Hollywood, pick-up in aisle three..