Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Clean the boat
• Method 2 of 3: Buff the surface
• Method 3 of 3: Finish with a layer of wax
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Your fiberglass boat cover will retain its glossy appearance for a long time if you keep it clean, waxed and away from the sun. If the surface begins to change its color, or begins to fade, or if the gelcoat (decorative and protective coating of composite products) shows signs of significant wear, you need to learn how to polish your boat.While this is basically a simple process and not much different from polishing a car, every boat owner has their own unique method. This article explains the basic steps for polishing a boat.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Clean the boat

1. 1 Remove any loose dirt and grime.
   • Hose the boat.
   • Wash the gelcoat with boat soap or a mixture of dishwashing detergent and lukewarm water. If the surface shows signs of darkening, add bleach.
   • Rinse and dry. Using a rubber squeegee, you can speed up the drying process.
2. 2 Get rid of stubborn stains and dirt.
   • Use thinner, turpentine or special degreaser to remove sticky stubborn stains or oily build-ups.
   • Rinse again and let dry.
3. 3 Remove old wax.
   • Use a rag soaked in toluene or another wax solvent to remove any traces of old wax that may interfere with the even distribution of the polish or polishing paste.
   • Run the rag in one direction only, with little force.
   • Let the solvent evaporate before polishing.

Method 2 of 3: Buff the surface

1. 1 Decide what to use - polish or polishing paste.
   • Both polish and polishing paste are abrasives. They restore the shine to your fiberglass boat gelcoat by removing scuffs, stains and scratches from the surface and enhance its reflectivity. Be careful when using polishing paste. The gelcoat is extremely thin and the aggressive paste can burn through it quickly, necessitating costly refurbishment.
   • The polish is suitable if your boat only needs light finishing.
   • Use a stronger polishing paste if the surface is heavily pitted or calcified.
2. 2 Decide on a polishing method - by hand or with a power tool.
   • Some perfectionists pray for hand polishing. Others argue that with a power tool, you get all the work done without leaving streaks or twists, and without harming your muscles. Choose a low speed sander instead of a high speed sander - it's more convenient. The circular tool is less likely to leave swirl marks.
3. 3 Start at the transom and work towards the bow of the boatworking on plots of one-fifth of a square meter.
   • Use a soft cloth when polishing by hand, or place a polishing sponge on the polishing machine. Apply a dose of polish or polishing paste to a cloth or sponge and rub into the surface in a firm circular motion.
   • If you are using a polisher, start at the lowest speed possible. Before turning on the machine, lightly touch the surface with a polishing pad - this will prevent the paste or polish from scattering in different directions when you turn on the machine.
   • Polish until the surface is mirrored. If you can see through the gelcoat, you've overdone it.
4. 4 be careful working close to tool mountings and in tight spaces.
   • Remove the fasteners in advance, if possible.
   • Even if you are working with a polisher, buff the surfaces around the fixed fasteners by hand. The machine can damage it. The cracks must also be hand-polished.
5. 5 Use polish after finishing with polishing paste.
6. 6 Hose the boat to remove any dust from polishing.

Method 3 of 3: Finish with a layer of wax

1. 1 Follow the instructions to the wax you are using. Collinite 885 consistently ranks first in the best wax ratings.
   • Just like polish and paste, wax can be applied by hand or with a polishing machine. Apply in a circular motion to avoid streaking.
2. 2 Let the wax dry until it is covered with "haze".
   • Buff the wax to a shine with a soft towel or terrycloth pillow if you choose to use a polishing machine.

Tips

• Save time and effort by hiring a boat polisher. In most harbors it is possible to find such a service. Don't be mistaken in thinking that auto polishers have the experience needed to polish your boat, as gelcoat has a different thickness and consistency.
• Some boat owners advise doing a few finest grit wet sanding passes before starting to work with polish or polishing paste.

Warnings

• Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and a respirator.

What do you need

• Boat soap or detergent
• Acetone
• Toluene or wax solvent
• Sponges and rags
• Protective gear
• Fiberglass boat polish
• Polishing paste, if necessary
• Circular polisher if you choose to use
• Soft cloth or machine polishing sponges
• Boat wax
• Soft towels