Whether afloat all season or stored on the hard, salt spray, wind-blown dirt and the sun's UV rays wreak havoc on a hull. Dark colors show it first, but even white gelcoat will turn dull, chalky and pitted. For these boats, a simple wash and wax won't do. They need to be polished—a straightforward DIY project with the right tools. Shurhold Industries offers a Clean-N-Simple Tip to restore their showroom shine.
The first step after putting on eye protection is to clean the polisher pad. Using a Pad Cleaning & Utility Brush, run the machine on a slow setting to ensure the strands are fluffed-out and there's no debris in it. It even helps new pads by removing stray fibers.
Paint thin Xs of Shurhold Buff Magic onto the hull in small, easily managed sections. The unique formula breaks down into ever-finer abrasives, so it's important to begin on a slow speed setting to avoid overworking the material. Unlike some methods that require multiple products, Buff Magic takes a surface from dull to glossy in one step.
When using a Shurhold Pro Rotary Polisher, it's important to keep the machine moving, hence the small work area. Place the pad on the surface, set the speed to around 1,600 rpm and move it around a bit before turning it on. Work in a left-to-right motion, overlapping each pass, with the weight of the machine providing pressure. Repeat this process in an up-and-down motion, adding a light pressure. Buff until the material disappears and the gloss begins to show.
Consumer-grade polishers typically use an orbital pattern that's safe in inexperienced hands, but slow. The Shurhold Pro Rotary Polisher features axial rotation. 12 amps and 1,400 watts of power require attention and constant movement to avoid swirling, but nothing removes scratches, oxidation and surface defects faster. With speed adjustments from 600–3,200 rpm and a 7" backing plate, it makes short work of a large project.
Depending on the hardness of the gelcoat and the depth of the oxidation, a second application may be needed. The hull should feel smooth to the touch and reflect the Buff Magic label when placed against it. A video of the entire process is at www.shurhold.com/blogs/all-blogs/learn-how-to-buff-using-a-rotary-polisher.
A 22 oz. container of Shurhold Buff Magic costs $28.98 and 64 oz. is $58.98; the Pro Rotary Polisher is $184.98; a Rotary Buff Magic Compounding Pad runs $16.98; and a Pad Cleaning & Utility Brush is $5.48.
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.
