Buffing Question...help needed

[jconstab]

I have a 1999 Logic and the finish on the hull has seen better days. It is faded and dull and I have been wanting to get it fixed up. I decided to give it a try today but wasn't all that impressed with the results.

I started sanding with 220, then moved up to 500, and then 1200 grit paper. I bought a 7" electric buffer from Harbor Frieght that goes up to 3500 rpms. I used a wool type pad and spent almost 3 hours buffing. The buffing did make the finish shine better than before, but it is not an even polish and the hull still looks pretty rough.

For any of you guys who have done this on an older boat, were my expectations too high or did I do something wrong? Should I spend more time using the buffer, try a different pad, or should it still look somewhat dull?

[cagrove]

The finish will not be high gloss like on a fiberglass boat but should have some luster to it when you are finished. You might try holding the buffer in one spot a little longer to build up some friction, it's the friction that produces the heat needed to bring out the shine. Go easy, a little at a time until you find the right combination of pressure and time. Sounds like you're on the right track. You might want to take some "before and after" pictures to share with the rest of us.

Good luck.

[NCangler]

There is a segment in the DVD I'm producing on Triumph Maintenance and Modifications that shows Carl Merritt or Merritt Marine repairing a significant gouge in a hull and includes the sanding and buffing demonstration. I am editing the Video this week and the DVD will be ready in two weeks. I'll be making an announcement about the DVD and a major change to Triumphowners.net in a few days.

[Putershark]

I use a dry lamb's wool pad on my random orbiter buffer and it works very well, let me know if you would like to stop by and barrow it