Microscratches in Gelcoat
Microscratches in Gelcoat
By Marley Barrett -- 05/25/22
There is a big problem with the way many detailing companies buff/wax. A two step process of simply buffing compound and then waxing does not cut it.
You're rushed to get the boat in the water. It's almost June, but you notice a ton of oxidation on the boat. You decide to grab the ol' rotary buffer and some compound to cut through this oxidation. It disappears and you quickly hand wipe some wax on it to protect it. It looks great, you step a little closer, but something is not right. You glare at it into the light and scratches (also called swirl marks) are seen, similar to above. What happened?
You're rushed to get the boat in the water. It's almost June, but you notice a ton of oxidation on the boat. You decide to grab the ol' rotary buffer and some compound to cut through this oxidation. It disappears and you quickly hand wipe some wax on it to protect it. It looks great, you step a little closer, but something is not right. You glare at it into the light and scratches (also called swirl marks) are seen, similar to above. What happened?
The second step should not be waxing. Simply waxing after utilizing rubbing compound will only put the wax into the microscratches, reducing the longevity of your wax and risking oxidation returning more quickly.
The second step should not be waxing. Simply waxing after utilizing rubbing compound will only put the wax into the microscratches, reducing the longevity of your wax and risking oxidation returning more quickly.
Instead, an orbital polisher is required (a rotary buffer won't work). The difference between the two is in the picture below. Grab a lighter compound and hit the surface exactly as if you were buffing with the orbital polisher on high setting. Yeah, it's a ton of work, but worth it to remove the microscratches.
Instead, an orbital polisher is required (a rotary buffer won't work). The difference between the two is in the picture below. Grab a lighter compound and hit the surface exactly as if you were buffing with the orbital polisher on high setting. Yeah, it's a ton of work, but worth it to remove the microscratches.
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Credit: thevehiclelab.com