Best product for clean, polish and seal gelcoat

[Sarnia]

I intend to clean and polish my gelcoat, would appreciate any advice on products used which gave good results.

 

[Gwylan]

I intend to clean and polish my gelcoat, would appreciate any advice on products used which gave good results.

Have always been pleased with 3M product. Get a cheap polisher and the necessary polishing pads.

Abralon are excellent pads for the gentlest abrasion effect.

 

[johnalison]

Everyone will have their favourites but I think careful and regular application is what gives good results. I use a mixture of polish, wax and wax sealant but I haven't seen much difference between different brands. I prefer "solid" polish and wax mainly because nothing gets spilt when I knock the pot over.

 

[Pcd]

I intend to clean and polish my gelcoat, would appreciate any advice on products used which gave good results.

Collinite, Epifanes Seapower and 3M have all done a good job for me. If anything Collinite probably top but not a huge difference.

 

[pvb]

Meguiars #45 Polish, followed by Meguiars #56 Pure Wax. Both very easy to apply by hand and rub off by hand. No need for machines. I prefer to do 2 applications of polish, followed by 2 applications of wax, and can easily do a 35footer in a day.

 

[TiggerToo]

I intend to clean and polish my gelcoat, would appreciate any advice on products used which gave good results.

Tigger gets this: http://www.marineaglaze.com/shop/exterior-cleaning-products/sealant-kits.php

it is not as expensive as it looks: you have to do the "Full Monty" the first time - then a clean and a reapplication of the Glaze once a year (it is really easy to apply - effortless, really) and the results are great (I have been using it 8 years or so)

 

[Trundlebug]

There's a thread running on the Mobo forum (sorry don't have time to find the link) where some comparison tests are being carried out to really get an answer on which is the best product.
As everyone seems to have their own favourite, and multiple claims being made by lots of products it was felt that we really need to do a proper trial to find out the facts.

Take a look or search on the Mobo forum to follow where it's up to.

 

[Aja]

What are forumites using to clean their hulls prior to polishing?

Regards
Donald

 

[pvb]

What are forumites using to clean their hulls prior to polishing?

Soft sponge, lots of sudsy warm water, a little "cream cleaner" (Tesco own-brand Cif equivalent) as required, Y10 for stubborn brown stains, and a running hose.

 

[[2574]]

We all have our favourites, I prefer 3M products, I think the key thing is to stay within one maunfacturers polish system so that the thinking behind the products is not compromised. And wax, wax, wax after getting the hull clean.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

My gel coat was very bad indeed (the original 1970s gel coat) , and no matter what wax I tried, it bloomed and looked rubbish again in a matter of weeks.

Polyglow gives good results (I have no affiliation) - I'd dearly like a respray though: http://www.albinballad.co.uk/technology/poliglow/

I normally get (affectionately) pelted with winch handles at this point for recommending it as others who are professionals have had problems with its application (and indeed getting it off!) in the past. It lasts about 10 months (more than the four months I expected) on my hull before it needs another coat over the top or needs stripping off and doing again.

This is a product of last resort, if your gelcoat has life in it, avoid .