Cutting the topsides ready for polishing

[superheat6k]

My topsides are OK for the boat's age, but I would like to give them a machine light cut before machine applying the wax top coat..

Someone advised me 3M Perfect It Fast Cut is quite good to use. But I haven't had much experience of machine mop polishing so could someone advise about quantity to use and approximate mop speed. I intend to give the top sides a thorough wash down first. Should I remove any light marks by hand before cutting or is it OK to let the mop do the work.

3M guide says to use a green foam mop head for the fast cut compound.

Thanks.

 

[jamie langstone]

I normally use a double side wool mop and the 2000 paste for lightly work but for heavy dirt or scratches i use the 1000 . Apply paste with a brush on to hull and then buff with a buffer that you find most comfortable speed to work with. on my buffer its about speed 3 . Once the hull is buffed then go over the hull with a liquid wax by hand with a cloth.
My freind has a corvett 32 and is always polishing it and he uses the method i said but he also use a small buffer in the link attched for his top side .
Sealey CP6005 14.4v Cordless Polisher & Sander 75mm | Polishers
https://www.mbfg.co.uk/2000_compound.htm
Kennedy Double Sided 100 Wool Mix Compound. Pad for sale online | eBay

 

[Assassin]

Overheating is the biggest problem and often this is cured by using water, so check the product data and any recommendations before beginning and if necessary, keep the area being cut with water to prevent overheating.

 

[Switch]

I use 3M 'Perfect It' gelcoat cutting/wax either light or medium depending on the gelcoat condition at the time. I apply using an orbital polisher then use 3m Ultra performance wax that i usually apply by hand.

 

[superheat6k]

Thanks for the advice. Materials ordered using suggestions made.

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Overheating is the biggest problem and often this is cured by using water, so check the product data and any recommendations before beginning and if necessary, keep the area being cut with water to prevent overheating.

Be a bit careful with your polisher if you start splashing water around … you might die sooner than you had planned.

 

[Assassin]

Its waterproof as its air powered.

 

[SeaAndSea]

What would you recommend for areas where the gel coat appears to be wearing thin?

 

[Assassin]

Farecla G10 compound with the white G mop wet compounding foam, this is a finishing compound and cuts very slowly and of you use the G Mop wet you can use water and thin it down even more; then you can do the car with it and get a nice finish before polishing it.