wax and polish leaving streaks

[David Ball]

I have an '06 1800 SR3. It has had a bow/cockpit cover on it the majority of it life, but not always a full cover. So the white gelcoat around the top edges are still shiny and new. The remaining gelcoat is slightly faded (not much oxidation) from UV exposure. I applied Attwood Wax/Cleaner, then followed up with Attwood Marine Polish, all by hand. It has restored shine almost as good as the part that has been covered, BUT it's all streaky and no matter how much elbow grease I use, the shine is uneven and it looks kinda bad.

Questions:
Wax first then polish?

Buffer versus hand applying?

Is there a better mfr of polish and wax that goes on more evenly?

The boat isn't that old so I don't want to damage gelcoat by being too aggressive with a buffer. Anyone else had this problem? It's like washing windows and the streaks look worse than the dirt. Annoying.

[Baby Blue]

You really need a polisher to get it good.
if you plan on keeping the boat it's worth the investment.
BB

[mmwjr]

Buff before wax. Use a good orbiting polisher such as Shure hold.

Try doing it on a cloudy day as direct sun dries out the polish and wax before removing it and streaks can result.

[David Ball]

Thanks guys. I always heard polish before wax, but the Attwood Cleaner/Wax I bought recommended the opppsite and said to follow up with Attwood Marine Polish. Gets kinda confusing.

Just bought a random orbital 6" polisher with foam applicator pads and microfiber buffer. Will give that a try to see how it works.

[Phillbo]

My shoulders hurt just reading this thread

[biggerseagar]

Get a hold of 3M's Finesse wax system

Harbor freight has a dual action polisher for around 40 bucks. It will last you a life time.

You clean, wax and then seal.

Roger

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by biggerseagar

Get a hold of 3M's Finesse wax system

Harbor freight has a dual action polisher for around 40 bucks. It will last you a life time.

You clean, wax and then seal.

Roger

Roger what do you mean by wax then seal?

Polish is an abrasive to clean what are you suggesting to seal with?

[biggerseagar]

Well I guess I meant clean, fill and seal.

Clean the gel coat and since it is porous fill the gel coat and then seal the gelcoat.

I have used the meguiar's 50 to clean and fill then use meguiar's flagship wax to seal.

Go to Marine31 Boat Detailing Supplies and they explain this to a detail.

Roger

[mmwjr]

Ok I use flagship wax as well easily last a full season also easy to apply and buff off.