Polishing mops.

[Allan]

I've been using 3M lambswool mops and backing pad for years on my polisher. Everything needs replacing now so I thought I would see if anyone has found any better combination for polishing our dark blue Starlight. I use 2000grit polishing compound for any areas that require it.
Allan

 

[wonkywinch]

I have been using Koch Chemie products on my cars for a few years and tried their marine products last year. I found the one coat much easier to apply and polish out than 3M and when I first started "detailing" was surprised to learn that the recommended foam pads work much better than wool for buffing out.

Gelcoat One Cut

They generally recommend the pad colour that matches the colour on the bottle. A quick buff with a microfibre cloth to remove any bits you missed and the result is pretty impressive. Several people commented how our 9 year old boat looked like a new one.

Micro Cut Hard Foam Pad

 

[Lightwave395]

Wow, bit of a difference, £77 on one website and £23 on another - I'll give it a try, only previously used Farecla

 

[BobnLesley]

I would love to give advice on polishing mops and fluid, but Lesley's not at home to ask... Hull polishing's a pink job

 

[MikeBz]

I tried a foam pad on the recommendation of a friend - now my preferred choice.

 

[MJWB]

I'm going to polish my topsides next month then wax. Always used lambswool mop heads previously but happy to try foam. Know nothing about foam heads. I use Farecla compound. What foam heads should I try out?

 

[mjcp]

Wow, bit of a difference, £77 on one website and £23 on another - I'll give it a try, only previously used Farecla

Make sure you are comparing apples with apples - the £77 one seems to be the "Trade" one in 1litre size. the cheaper is a smaller version?

Anyway, have now ordered some Koch-Chemi stuff via their UK distro "Morelli group" and a set of 7" foam pads - will report back how it does!

I spent Saturday on the ladder doing the Stb side with the Oxalic and then T-Cut on a rotary wool pad, but there are still some vertical streaks. Will see if the One cut and foam are better. (and then the polish to seal it)

Cheers, M

 

[MikeBz]

I'm going to polish my topsides next month then wax. Always used lambswool mop heads previously but happy to try foam. Know nothing about foam heads. I use Farecla compound. What foam heads should I try out?

I used one of these with Farecla Profile 700 for a very light cut & polish. Martin Cox MOGG50 Soft Black Foam M14 Refinish Pad

I guess a harder one might be better for coarser cut.

 

[mjcp]

Has anyone tried ceramic coatings on top sides?

I've seen positive evidence of ceramics on cars, protects the paint, makes cleaning much easier etc etc. Logically, that would be good on a boat too? I note that Koch-Chemi has a ceramic product, but they state it needs a top coat of wax still !

M

 

[wonkywinch]

For polish & supplies, I often buy from Slims Detailing. Worth checking prices there as they have a 10% discount code at the moment - LOVE10 although I find WELCOME10 also works on loads of websites

Slim's Detailing | Car Detailing Care & Valeting Supplies

 

[Poecheng]

Has anyone tried ceramic coatings on top sides?

I've seen positive evidence of ceramics on cars, protects the paint, makes cleaning much easier etc etc. Logically, that would be good on a boat too? I note that Koch-Chemi has a ceramic product, but they state it needs a top coat of wax still !

M

Yes, I have used ceramic after carrying out a careful 3-stage cut and polish (Farecla) on my last boat. I considered it was excellent and lasted far better than wax. I applied it at the beginning of season 1, used the boat all season, took her out and sold the boat at the beginning of season 2 and she just needed a fresh water hose over and she was still beading up and looked good (I think)
I have pulled out the current boat with the intention of doing exactly the same this winter/spring but events have got in the way !
I used Gtecniq in red livery (cannot recall its precise name and not at the correct location to check) but it was in a small bottle. I used their very good microfibre cloths to keep everything perfectly clean. You put it on with round make up wipes and a little goes a long way.