Boat waxing issue

[AC2717]

Hi lads and ladies
I am getting ready to wax the boat and I have developed a stupidity leak
Do I do a color restorer wax before a cleaner wax
Am I missing a step with another wax because I already used it up already

Some direction is well appreciated

Thanks

[Dave R]

Color restorer should be the first used. That said, it would supercede cleaner wax since it's more aggressive. Once you are done with it, you can just use normal wax.

[BroadHopper]

Is usually like rubbing compound, it is an abrasive. If you wax over it and find the finish a little dull, your may want to try a polish such as Finesse II.

[Rich]

Good point, people tend to miss this detail!

Your fiberglass should look like a mirror, or at least be as shiny as you want it to be BEFORE you apply the wax. The wax should be there to protect the finish, not make it shine.

Often, some rubbing compounds include silicones and other things like waxes that can make dull fiberglass shine. Then you think you did a good job. But about 3 weeks or so later, the dull look comes back. This is because you didn't achieve a good finish before you added the wax.

Here are the words directly from the bottle of Meguiar's Flagship Premium Marine Wax, and this is true for all waxes:
http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/products/m6332-flagship-premium-marine-wax-32oz/

*Use wax only after the surface has been cleaned and restored to a "like new" or "average" finish.

If you are using some rubbing compounds that contain a wax or silicone, or a 'restoring wax' or 'cleaning wax', it can be hard to know when you have achieved a true 'like new' finish. This is one reason why I mostly use 3M rubbing compounds and finish up polishing with 3M Finesse-it II (before I add wax). Finesse-it II doesn't have any silicones or waxes in the polishing compound and won't give you a false shine making you think that you reached that 'like new' finish before you actually did. ;)

Good luck with your project.

[AC2717]

Good point, people tend to miss this detail!

Your fiberglass should look like a mirror, or at least be as shiny as you want it to be BEFORE you apply the wax. The wax should be there to protect the finish, not make it shine.

Often, some rubbing compounds include silicones and other things like waxes that can make dull fiberglass shine. Then you think you did a good job. But about 3 weeks or so later, the dull look comes back. This is because you didn't achieve a good finish before you added the wax.

Here are the words directly from the bottle of Meguiar's Flagship Premium Marine Wax, and this is true for all waxes:
http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/products/m6332-flagship-premium-marine-wax-32oz/



If you are using some rubbing compounds that contain a wax or silicone, or a 'restoring wax' or 'cleaning wax', it can be hard to know when you have achieved a true 'like new' finish. This is one reason why I mostly use 3M rubbing compounds and finish up polishing with 3M Finesse-it II (before I add wax). Finesse-it II doesn't have any silicones or waxes in the polishing compound and won't give you a false shine making you think that you reached that 'like new' finish before you actually did. ;)

Good luck with your project.

thanks Rich I am actually using Mequiars flagship products

[BroadHopper]

I tried one of the nano wax (Eagle One). Although it is expensive it beads the whole season and still beading when I launch the next season! You need very little, mist on, spread with a soft cloth and buff off. Leaves very little residue. You can even use the wax on glass! Last far longer than Repel-X or Rain-ex.

I believe I can wax both vehicles and a 22' boat with the same bottle this year!

Again, you need the perfect finish before waxing.

[AC2717]

spent just just about 3.5 hours on the color restore
tonight the Meguiars flagship wax
probably about the same amount of time, but I am hoping less because it is the wax

[SAB1]

Rich is right on with the 3M products. It sure takes time to apply compound and then Finesse II but it is worth it. My boat is a 1997 and looks like showroom condition. I have always used Starbrite Marine Polish with Teflon as my final application. Waxes tend to build up over time where as polishes don't.

http://www.amazon.com/Star-brite-Premium-Marine-Polish/dp/B00144336O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432818031&sr=8-1&keywords=starbrite+marine+polish