Polishing Topsides

I

Inselaffe

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Hi, did try to search, but got nowhere.

I will for the first time in 4 years polish my topsides.

I dont lioke paying for Yachty products.

What should I use to clean then polish the GRP topsides? She has been painted professionally, I think with polyurethane as after 8 years still looks tip-top.

I have already pressure washed, & was thinking just sponge off with washing up liquid & bucket then car wax.

I will be doing it by hand

any tips?

Ta
 
Car wax is ok for boats

I have used various products over the year’s, marine and car and have found MAX WAX very good, if you have a coloured hull (Not white) then try those coloured waxes as they do a great job of hiding scratches.

If you have any discoloration or dull patches use T-CUT and a bit of elbow grease
First, just folow the instruction on the tub.

But be careful not to get cleaning products on your boot topping, wood or other absorbent materials. I got it all over the inflatable and it made a big mess.

Do small areas especially if it’s a sunny day, if you are not planning on doing it often give her a few coats!

The stockenette material found in Halfords is great for polishing with (Better than your old underpants !!!!) you can get this from Partco and other motor factor places a lot cheaper than Halfords if you have the time.

Also don’t forget to Jif your fenders and give them a good polish too.

Better than waxing your car on a Sunday???

Darren
 
All done as Aforementioned Post

ShineyHull.jpg


/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
Following advice from other cheapskates I achieved admirable results using:

1) Screwfix patio cleaner (basically 10% hydrochloric acid) mixed with wallpaper paste, left for 15 mins and jetwashed off.
2) T-Cut
3) Cheap Ebay Carnuba wax.

My 34 year old GRP hull now boasts a wet-look shine for a £20 expenditure and a little elbow grease.
 
interesting as currently waiting response from farecla as to what grade of their product to use to restore my white grp hull - seems they do various levels of abrasiveness and want to use the right one with my power polisher and wet sponge head - anyone got the gen on which is best to use - ie G4 or G7 or G10 prior to waxing ??? paste or liquid preferred ? fingers crossed for good day weekend after next to do it!
 
Mer works well for me. I have also used Halfords Colour Back polish where the gel coat has faded. Again good results.
 
I shoul dbe able to update you next week. I plan on giving a lash at my 2001 gelcoat

1) Clean with warm soapy water making sure all crud is removed
2) Compound with 3m Finnesse It, let dry and buff off
3) Polish with Mer car polish, let it dry and buff off

I was told to have water in a spray-gun handy so that the surface is slightly moist when compounding/polishing... helps to keep things nice n' slippy!
 
For info only.... cutting back a 15 year old hull (steel) T/cut did not have sufficient abrasive qualities.. G4 produced the desired result, followed by a non sillicone car polish...saved me a respray! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Ta v much

In the end a mate who builds boats here lent me his polishing kit, with an electric doobry, so less elbow grease required /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The polish he gave me is for cars....
 
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