high gloss finish

Hi and thanks in advance for any words of wisdom....better yet experience. Just compounded our new to us fiberglass boat....probably first time done in 5 years. What with all the new tech out there, what have you found to be the best product for producing a high-gloss finish? Don't want to get into two-part epoxies and the like. Have heard about new "waxes", but have found those to more hype than results. Because of the surface area, trying not to use a buffer. Any suggestions? Again.....thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

I have no first hand knowledge but have read some great reports (and a few less than great) on applying a "ceramic" coating. Thee are a few different kinds and some think (of course) that one is netter than others. Here is one link but there are many to look at if you Google a bit.


https://www.thehulltruth.com/liquid...-5-questions-about-ceramic-coating-boats.html

bound4bvi said:

Hi and thanks in advance for any words of wisdom....better yet experience. Just compounded our new to us fiberglass boat....probably first time done in 5 years. What with all the new tech out there, what have you found to be the best product for producing a high-gloss finish? Don't want to get into two-part epoxies and the like. Have heard about new "waxes", but have found those to more hype than results. Because of the surface area, trying not to use a buffer. Any suggestions? Again.....thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

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The finish you achieve is directly proportional to the effort you put into it. There are no shortcuts. Products that promise quick shine may produce it, but it won't last very long. The high gloss, "wet" look only comes from making the surface smooth. The buffer is key in that process. Particularly when considering the surface area... not sure what the reasoning for "trying not to use a buffer", but it's contrary to the stated objective.

Oxidation creates micro-fissures in the surface of the gelcoat. They create more surface area for oxidation to occur, and the only way to eliminate that is by removing the top micro layer of gelcoat to create as smooth a surface as possible. Abrasion is how it's done. The higher the polish you bring to the surface, the more it shines, the more UV it reflects, and the longer it will last. Wax creates a shine by filling in those micro fissures, but the wax soon is oxidized, returning the surface to its original dull appearance. Paint also restores shine by filling in the fissures, but it won't oxidize as quickly so the shine lasts many years.

I had great success using Rejex, a polymer sealer. There are similar products from Zaino and StarBrite that get good comments. Key is to have the surface clean and shiny to begin with, then apply. First time around the yard used a glaze, 3M Finesse-It II, Every couple if years got a touch up, and the boat was used year around in saltwater. Pretty much eliminate the so-called "ICW Mustache" and other tannin stains if you hosed the boat off every and then (we spent a lot of time living on moorings and at anchor).
It was all kind of overkill, since the hull was painted rather than gelcoat, but it sure looked good! Here's a pic after about a year of cruising the entire eastern seaboard down and back again , anchoring or mooring 70% of the time, notice the reflection twinkling off the bow, you could pretty much shave using it as a mirror...

I have had ceramic coating on my center console for about 6 months. Cant say i'm totally convinced that it is all they say it is

I have come full circle and am back to paste wax. 3m Ultra. A bit more work than the Teflon/ nano stuff, but lasts a lot longer and gives a deeper shine. Never tried the “ceramics”.

SailorGreg said:

I have come full circle and am back to paste wax. 3m Ultra. A bit more work than the Teflon/ nano stuff, but lasts a lot longer and gives a deeper shine. Never tried the “ceramics”.

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Like anything else, it's all in the prep and application.

By the way, Rejex works great on stainless and aluminum too. One of it's biggest uses is to preserve the shine on custom and high end car and truck wheels.