A boat's fiberglass gelcoat is constantly under attack from UV rays, salt spray, acid rain, and blasts of dirt and debris. Over time, a chalky film develops, leaving surfaces looking old and tired. Restoring a faded finish is easy with the right tools and chemicals. Shurhold, the leader in marine cleaning and maintenance, has a Clean-N-Simple tip that will quickly bring back a boat's showroom shine without excessive effort or expense.
To begin, wash the boat with a premium soap such as Shurhold's Brite Wash, then rinse and dry. Carefully measure the correct quantity of cleaning solution to ensure dirt is removed without leaving any residue that could hinder the next steps.
Using Shurhold's World's Best Dual Action Polisher makes short work of even the largest hull. Start with a clean pad. If it's new, brush it to remove fibers that could get onto the work surface.
Using a chip brush, paint on thin Xs of Shurhold Buff Magic Compound within a 2 sq. ft. area. Spreading-out the material works better than a complete covering. Using too much product is counterproductive and takes more time and effort to bring back a shine.
Before Buff Magic dries, place the polisher on the work surface without turning it on. This prevents slinging the product off the pad, making a mess and wasting it. Start on a slow speed setting and work up
and down and side to side in an overlapping pattern, keeping the machine moving. Excess pressure isn't needed; the weight of the machine is enough.
As Buff Magic is used, the unique formula breaks down. The product's abrasives become ever finer as it's used. This is a plus because only one product is needed to take a finish from dull to glossy.
When the work area has been completed, stop the machine against the surface. Using a microfiber towel, wipe off the excess Buff Magic. This also removes the oxidation that was buffed off the surface.
Fluff the pad with a brush before moving to a new area. This will make it last longer and function more effectively.
Check the reflective quality of the result. Depending on the level of oxidation, the process may need to be repeated up to three times.
Once the boat is complete and a mirror-like finish is achieved, it's time to protect all the hard work. Pro Polish Wax is an advanced polymer that improves the glossiness. It delivers superior performance than traditional waxes that contain talc.
A 32 oz. bottle of Brite Wash is $11.98; the World's Best Dual Action Polisher is $154.98; a 22 oz. can of Buff Magic Compound is $28.98; three Microfiber Towels are $19.98; a 16 oz. bottle of Pro Polish Wax is $19.98.
Dedicated to educating boat owners, Shurhold provides key tips for boat value preservation at www.shurhold.com. Inventor of the One Handle Does It All system, Shurhold manufactures specialty care items and accessories to clean, polish and detail.
Contact Shurhold, 3119 SW 42nd Ave., Palm City, FL 34990. 800-962-6241; Fax: 772-286-9620. www.shurhold.com.