The GelCoat bling thread. Cleaner / Wax / Sealer

Rhawn

Whats your brand and why?

McGuire's? 3M? Turtle?

I'm looking to run a coat of a cleaner/wax then a sealant. Looking for opinions.

leviwynnyk · Posted: Apr 02, 2009 7:11 pm Post subject:

Boat Bling..... I use all their products, they work very good.

DRAGON88 · Posted: Apr 02, 2009 7:20 pm Post subject:

Menzerna for polishes, because it gives excellent results. I can get all the scratches out of the gel and get a fantastic finish in two steps instead of three.

For sealant I am going to start using Klasse AIO this summer, but I usually just use a normal carnauba wax like Mothers, and have been relatively happy with it.

Are you going to be applying by hand? Or with a machine?

Rhawn · Posted: Apr 03, 2009 8:21 am Post subject:

DRAGON88, That's a good question, I have a low grade orbital buffer. In another thread someone recommended a higher quality type orbital buffer that worked better but I couldn't find it. I would be scared of using a high speed buffer of any kind.

I looked up Menzerna and it looks like all auto products. So would you use the "Intensive Polish" to do your cleaning/polishing?
http://www.topoftheline.com/meninpol.html

And then maybe something like this for a sealant? http://www.superiorcarcare.net/klashiggloss1.html

Do you have a local shop you get these from? Or online?

DRAGON88 · Posted: Apr 03, 2009 8:43 am Post subject:

Porter Cable PC7424: http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&q=pc+7424&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=YzvWSbKkO6TcswOgx_SkCg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title

Definitely a good investment, buy a Velcro backing plate and some pads and you'll be good to go. I've had mine for 3-4 years now and it's simply awesome, it works great, but you don't really have to worry about burning through the paint or gelcoat...

ncsurr · Newbie Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 10

I just finished my boat and this is what I used.

PC 7424
Step 1: 3M Perfect-it Compound (1500) w/ purple foamed wool pad
Step 2: Menzerna SIP w/ orange LC foam pad
Step 3: Menzerna Nano Polish w/ White LC foam pad
Step 4: Zaino AIO by hand
Step 5: Zaino Z-5 by hand (two coats)
Step 6: Zaino Z-2 by hand (two coats)
Step 7: Zaino Z-CS by hand
Step 8: Put on sunglasses and enjoy the shine!

The PC 7424 is the best investment I have ever made as far as detailing goes. And yes it did take me a little while (20 hours in this detail) but it is completely worth it. The key with polishes is take your time and don't try to work too big of an area at once. I will try to get some pictures up soon.

pet575 · Posted: Apr 03, 2009 9:40 am Post subject:

I go with Meguiar's #45 Polish (when needed) and then follow with Meguiar's Flagship Premium Wax. Many times I can skip the polish and just re-apply the wax.

Cheap orbital does just fine if all you're doing is a polish and wax. Anything more than a polish and you'll want to step up the machine you're using.

AVOID carnuba wax if you have any white gelcoat. Carnuba causes yellowing over time.