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Restoring the shine ?

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NuNees
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USA
125 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/17/2003 : 12:41:17

Has anyone used a product called 'Poli-Glow'?
I had another sailor tell me he is going to try it.
he gave me a copy of a 1998 Practicle Sailor article, which touted it as 'Excelent'.

I have an '85 that does not appear to have been waxed regularly by the PO's. I biought it last September...tried several grades of rubbing/polishing compound andor color restorers, to some success.
But, not good enough. My next move will be to remove the accumulated wax and wet sand it, then start over. That is until I read about 'Poli-Glow' being ablr to duplicate a ;ile new shine.

So, what do you think? Is it Mouse Milk or is it Real?

Bill Jaworowski (NuNees)
C25 SR/SK #4953 Lake Carlyle

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5896 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 17:54:35

I'm no expert on restoring the shine, but, since nobody has responded yet, I will suggest that you reconsider wet sanding your gel coat. I think that's much too aggressive and will probably damage it.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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4382 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 18:28:30

Bill,
I've done extensive trial and disappointment on this subject. My first larger boat was a tangerine Catalina 22. The hull was so oxidized it looked like tomato soup. I finally had to resort to 800 grit sandpaper (staying off the edges.) After running out of elbow grease, I returned three different electric polishers before I settled on a commerical grade unit manufactured by Milwaukee. Believe it or not not all compounds work the same - some work better by hand and others better by machine. I got the best results by far with No. 7 Rubbing Compound and No. 7 Polishing Compound - in that order. After trying numerous waxes Practical Sailor turned me onto Collinite's Liquid (not the paste) Fleetwax for aeronautical and marine applications.
BTW, OJ has a white hull and did not require sanding. Just the rubbing, polishing compound and wax in year 1 and just the polishing compound and wax thereafter.
Good luck.

Steve Madsen
#2428
OJ (Ode to Joy)

[url="http://catalina25-250.org/photo0.htm/"]<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/photo/ode075.jpg" border=0>[/url]

Edited by - OJ on 03/17/2003 20:19:22

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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1893 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 18:48:17

Bill,

I agree with Steve Madsen, first try a serious multi-speed buffer and Dupont #7 compound. I'll about bet that solves the problem. If you decide to wet sand, be very gentle, and use an extremely fine grit. I can assure you of two things: (a.) Catalina gelcoat is real thick, and (b.) even fine sandpaper takes it off real fast, and leaves lots of scratches to be polished out. I'd rather go slow with a polisher and curse the effort required, than to go fast with sandpaper and curse the resulting damage to otherwise healthy gelcoat.

-- Leon Sisson

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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1916 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 20:45:54

I recently purchased products from Island Girl. When the weather gets better I'll try them out. Some of the C22 list members have used it and gave them an enthusiastic endorsement

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

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frich
Captain

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418 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 21:49:09

I wet sanded my Hunter Green waterline stripe last year to remove heavy oxidation, immeadiately followed by 4 coats of paste wax. I was satisfied with the result.

I would not do this to the entire boat however, you will definately see marks. speaking og the coalinite, this past weekend an aquaintance tried it on my rub rail it definately worked, I am eager to try it on the gel coat and will advise.

Frank Rich
84 C25 SK

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/17/2003 : 22:00:22

I applied Poli Glow last Spring and am pleased with the outcome. I put on about 5 coats, which are very easy to apply--no rubbing or buffing involved. Each coat raises the shine a little--the first was barely visible, the second somewhat streaky, the third evened it out, the 4th started looking pretty good, and the 5th made it a little better. Each coat took me about 10-12 minutes per side. When I looked this past weekend (on the hard in the snow), the hull looked about as good as when I applied the fourth coat.

I wouldn't say that my results were like new gelcoat. They were comparable to what I've gotten from cleaner-waxes on a "mature" hull where the worst of the chalking has been removed, but with much less effort and, from what I can see, greater longevity. I will probably add a coat or two this Spring, and the whole hull probably won't take an hour. Like Cetol versus spar varnish, that's the tradeoff I'm looking for. I plan on trying it in some areas of the cockpit, decks and cabin, being careful not to make things too slippery in the wrong places.

Be aware that Poli Glow does not clean the fiberglass or remove marks as 3-M Restorer does--instead, it makes every mark and stain shine. The kit comes with a strong cleaner that does a pretty good job, but a little compounding may be necessary on marks and stains. Since our boat is in a calm slip and moored in constant waves, I can't speak to Poli Glow's resistence to stains along the waterline.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - dave bristle on 03/17/2003 22:03:14

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IndyJim
Navigator

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130 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2003 : 23:10:36

Bill,
Like Dave Bristle, I too purchased some Poli-Glow about 3 years ago and continue to be very happy with it. There are many ways to skin a cat, or Catalina, as it were. Some are easy and some aren't. Poli-Glow was extremely easy to apply and lasts!
Like Dave said, just make sure you get her clean before you apply it. Otherwise you'll just shine the dirt for a long long time!
When you apply the first couple of coats, you'll think you made a big mistake. But follow the instructions and on the 4th or 5th coat, you'll be very pleased.
I applied my vinyl decals after cleaning her and then applied the Poli-Glow. It really helped seal the decals and kind of gave them a protective "glass like" coat. You won't be dissapointed.
IndyJim
"Itza Dew Sea"
'84 SK/TR

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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1420 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2003 : 12:30:30

Something I don't seem to understand. After using "Poli-Glow" five coats worth, do you need to put a wax finish on the hull?

Seems like you have a step with a restorer, the with "Poli-Glow" and then with a wax. Is that right?

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2003 : 20:29:55

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Seems like you have a step with a restorer, the with "Poli-Glow" and then with a wax. Is that right?
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Nope. First, don't use "restorer" (as in 3-M)--it has wax in it that must not be present when you apply Poli GLow. A good cleaning is recommended (the kit includes a strong cleaner), and a little compounding may be advisable to remove marks. Then, after 5 coats of Poli-Glow (necessary only the first time when the gelcoat is bare), you have a nice, even shine. Each coat is applied with a chamois-like applicator that puts down a very thin film. No rubbing, no buffing. Just wipe on, wipe on, wipe on, wipe on, and wipe on. How many coats? When you put one on that doesn't appreciably improve the eveness and shine, you're done.

In the boat yard last week, my hull looked better than some that had been waxed last Spring. (I saw the owners with their buffers.) Theirs may have been slightly shinier back then, but mine is now.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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1420 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2003 : 20:49:35

Thanks, Dave, for clerifying the process.

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

Edited by - on

NuNees
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125 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2003 : 13:55:23

Dave and IndyJim,
Thank all of you for your advice, and to let you know, I have received my Poli-Glow 'kit'. I have wet sanded several auto finishes and know that this would be a daunting task. Originally, I had planned to use 1000 and then 1500 sandpaper, followed by mild liquid compound and a good couple coats of pure wax. The ease of installation of the poli-glow was too enticing to pass up.

I am anxiuos to have the weather turn so I can begin the process of installation. (It seems that the temp around St. louis is good only when I am at the office...maybe next week end it will get to 60 deg or better.) I am sure that following their directions and your suggestions, the topsides will look great. Having already cleaned most of the oxidation from the topside, the cleaning part will be easy.
Last week, in preparation, I cleaned the residual compound/restorer from the sides with MEK. It doesn't look too bad, but I think I will do it again before using the poli-glow cleaner.

I'll let you know how it turns out and thanks again.

Bill Jaworowski
C25 SR/SK #4953 lake Carlyle, IL.

Edited by - on

IndyJim
Navigator

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Response Posted - 04/14/2003 : 01:26:55

Hey Bill,
A sailing buddy of mine just put on some Poli-Glow last weekend. As we know, there aren't any miracle methods, but he is extremely pleased.

Somehow, I got roped into supervising the application. I sat in the lawn chair and ate the pizza. He did the job. :)

Jim on "Itza Dew Sea"
'84 SK/TR #8525

Edited by - on

kruhlin
Deckhand

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10 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2003 : 08:29:50

I'm a little confused. I too need to clean/shine the hull this spring and am interested in any time saving method that provides results.

Am I correct that with poli-glow I avoid the compound and polish by using the cleaner that comes with poli-glow, then apply the poli-glow itself?

Thanks,

Kurt

Edited by - on

Steve Shetter
1st Mate

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60 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2003 : 09:27:53

Although I am new to sailing and Catalina, I havae purchased a 1981 25' and am in the process of working on the hull, as we speak (type). The boat builder with whom I'm working has suggested wet sanding with 400 grit and then 600 grit. After that he will buff it out and polish it with a commercial buffer. He promised me that I could part my hair in the reflection, if I do good job of sanding. I can assure you that, jockeying a desk for the last 35 years hasn't done much to strengthen my sanding muscles. Fortunately, I have just semi-retired and have the time to work on it at my own pace, assuming the weather cooperates. After that, I am going to put her on Lake Cumberkand in southern Kentucky. After wanting a sailboat for the last 30 years, I thing that her new name "At Last" is appropriate.

Steve Shetter
"At Last"
#2381

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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1768 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2003 : 10:08:36

I can assure you that, jockeying a desk for the last 35 years hasn't done much to strengthen my sanding muscles. - Steve Shetter

Hi Steve,

Welcome to the group!

I know what you mean about sanding/polishing ... I've done so much of that on my boat, I'm worn out. One thing that can help slow down the arm fatigue ... attach a bungie cord or the like to your sander, and tie the other end to a stanchion ... it'll take at least some of the weight off your sore arms, and maybe you'll be able to sand a little longer between beer breaks.

One word of caution ... be careful not to get the cord wrapped up in the sanding/polishing disk. I bought a really powerful commercial grade polisher (recommended by the master polisher, Steve Madsen) ... I got too close to the bungie ... it wrapped around the shaft in the blink of an eye, and I thought it was going to rip my arm off!

Good luck ... let us know how she turns out!

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

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John Bixby
Navigator

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118 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2003 : 10:52:20

I BOUGHT SOME POLY GLOW AT THE ST PETE SHOW TWO YEARS AGO AND USED IT ON MY 77 BLUE HULL. THE RESULTS WERE LESS THAN GOOD. IT LASTED A SHORT WHILE AND THEN LOOKED AS BAD AS BEFORE. WHEN I PULLED IT OUT FOR A BOTTOM JOB I WENT THE SANDING ROUTE AND THEN APPLIED GEL COAT.
THAT WAS TWO YEARS AGO AND AM STILL HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS.
JOHN ON MS ACHSA

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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3321 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2003 : 12:07:13

A few years back I helped a friend polish his Starwind 27. The hull was white with oxidation. We wet sanded using a 1/4 sheet power palm sander (with one of us using the sander and the other spraying constantly with a water spray bottle), starting with 220 grit and working up through 600. Much to our surprise his hull was actually TAN. (The water in the slip looked like milk!). Then we used fiberglass rubbing compound and then 2 coats of 3M wax. It still looks great! Then we moved over and did "This Side Up" the same way. Each boat took about 20 working hours.
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"

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NuNees
Navigator

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Response Posted - 04/14/2003 : 13:25:06

Dave Bristle & Indy Jim; I have applied Poli-Glow. I finished it Friday night...I should have waited, but was too anxious to see it through...I cleaned it properly, according to the directions. I guess I applied it thick enough. it has just a tiny bit of 'Orange peel' to it...but I could shave in the boot stripe. i may have to add a 6th coat later this season.

The results are spectacular! Most of the guys at the marina, who had seen the boat before the Poli-Glow, could not believe the results. I am really happy with the outcome. Thank you for the advice and encouragement.

Since finishing, I've seen other Poli-Glow hulls there. A friend of mine, who had just upsized, got the kit from the PO. He didn't know what made the boat look so good until he saw what it did for mine. Then Sunday a guy acrss from my slip was applying Poli-Glow with the applicator on a bursh handle...just like the instructions say it can be done.

Besides all of the compliments about the hull's shine...I managed to get it into the water on Saturday. Things are getting better! (I was really getting tired of crawling up that ladder.) Next week is Easter, so no boat. After that, up go the sails and out on the lake for it's first run as 'Moonbeams'....To quote another C25 sailor.....YEEEE HAAAA!
(I think it was Buzz Maring)

Thanks for the help!

Bill Jaworowski
Moonbeams C25 SR/SK #4953 Lake Carlyle, IL.

Edited by - on

Steve Shetter
1st Mate

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Response Posted - 04/14/2003 : 19:48:10

Hey Buzz,

Who said anything about a sander? I have been doing this job by hand. Now do you understand the impact of being a desk jockey? I will admit that a friend stopped be today and offered me the use of her brand new 10" buffer. (I accepted). My concerrn now is that my experience with rubbing/ polishing compounds has been that, it may be easier, but it's too fast for me to work comfortably on gel coat. I read the comments regarding #7 compounds, but haven't found any yet. I'll look in earnest tomorrow. Thanks for the bungee cord idea. Any more suggestions woul;d be more than appreciated. Anyone want to make me the same offer that Indy Jim received? By the way, I think I met Indy Jim at West Marine back in January.

Steve Shetter
"At Last"
#2381

Steve Shetter
"At Last"
#2381

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