Pad number ratio?

[BellyUpFish]

Ok, so I'm trying to get geared up..

I cheaped, but we'll see how it goes on the DA - I got the HF unit. I picked up a Chemical Guy's 5" pad and I've got some product for my boat on the way. Meguiars 67.

Anyway, I'm thinking about picking up Buff N Shine pads (unless someone talks me out of it) and I'm also thinking about getting yellow, white and black as a good "starter kit."

So, my question is.. How many of each?

Anyone want to throw out a ratio for a noob?

 

[dlc95]

Well, Buff and Shine manufacturers the CG Hex pads, so you'll get the same foams.

Most people will use the orange instead of the yellow.

A boat?

I might want about 10 - 15 cutting and polishing pads each.

 

[BellyUpFish]

I might want about 10 - 15 cutting and polishing pads each.

Wow.. That many to start, huh?

 

[sudsmobile]

Yes, that many pads. And depending on the condition, a rotary polisher may actually save you quite a bit of time. Gelcoat is not car paint. It's typically much harder.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Yes, that many pads. And depending on the condition, a rotary polisher may actually save you quite a bit of time. Gelcoat is not car paint. It's typically much harder.

It's in decent shape, I just wanted to bring it back a little bit. I had no idea it'd take 20ish pads to do a boat. Not doubting, just learning.

 

[Eldorado2k]

I went through about 15-20 pads in a single session on that example of heavily oxidized gelcoat in that other thread... That applies to that sort of example though and if your boat really is in better condition than that you won’t have to throw every pad you’ve got at it like I had to.

And remember, just because you don’t have 20 pads on hand doesn’t mean you can’t rinse them clean and dry them in the sun as you go... Pads wash up with a plain stream of water in no time. Most of the time is consumed in them drying, washing them takes maybe 1 minute.

There’s ways to speed up pad drying too. You can do a quik search.

How many feet is your boat? Any pics?

 

[BellyUpFish]

How many feet is your boat? Any pics?

Just shy of 21'..

 

[Mantilgh]

I have very little experience with gel coat, but from reading Mike’s posts you do not want soft foam polishing pads. He usually recommends stiff foam cutting pads for polishing and wool for cutting.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Anyway, I'm thinking about picking up Buff N Shine pads (unless someone talks me out of it) and I'm also thinking about getting yellow, white and black as a good "starter kit."

So, my question is.. How many of each?

Anyone want to throw out a ratio for a noob?

For removing oxidation, you'll want to stick with foam cutting pads. For applying a wax a polishing or finishing pad will do.

The boat in your picture looks to be in good shape but these types of pictures don't mean a thing as I prove with the pictures I shared in my last boat detailing class.


Pictures: 2018 Boat Detailing Class at Autogeek with Mike Phillips


Looks GREAT in this picture...

Let's light up the side of the hull and see what the gel-coat really looks like...

We started sanding the above boat using #1000 Mirka Abralon by machine --> FLEX 3401

Came out like this,

We only teach our boat class once a year and it ALWAYS sells out. We're already filling up for next year's class.


Marine 31 Boat Detailing Class - February 9th & 10th, 2019

I have very little experience with gel coat, but from reading Mike’s posts you do not want soft foam polishing pads.

He usually recommends stiff foam cutting pads for polishing and wool for cutting.

Correctamundo....

For removing oxidation or polishing, gel-coat like firm, sharp foam pads. My favorite and the ones I use and show everyone else are the RUPES blue and green.

 

[damaged442]

Very nice! One of the best hulls MasterCraft ever built! I have an 89 TriStar 190 and my father has an 81 19 Skier (Stars and Stripes) The oxidation isn't bad on either, but I polish them out and wax them each spring.

I have about 20 pads that I use and keep cleaning them and drying them along the way. I have a PC7424 XP with LC CCS 5" pads, which work fine based on the little amount of oxidation.

 

[derass]

I have 8 cutting pads, 8 polishing pads, a 2 finishing pads. I find that enough to do a mid-sized sedan. However, my brother asked me to buff out his Sierra 2500 pickup, and I don't think those will be enough. I'm thinking I'll need another 6 each of the cutting and polishing for such a big vehicle.

Check out this article from Mike Phillips that explains why more pads is better when doing a job:

How many pads do I need to buff out my car?