Using a buffer on black hulls?

[Skysurfer2010]

I dropped my 242LS off at a boat detailer today. He's going to use my supplied Rejex on the hull and he asked about using a buffer on it. He's concerned with a black hull that it will leave swirl marks. I always used Rejex by hand. What do you guys think? Will a buffer leave marks/ swirls in the hull?

 

[octavio3311]

He's the professional detailer - and he's asking you?

 

[Jluzader]

I use a buffer and it does leave swirles, then a quick wipe down with a micro fiber towel takes it right off.

 

[Chillypilot]

@Skysurfer2010 I just purchased my first bottle of Rejex. What's your overall opinion of it?

 

[zelone]

Greg, I have spent about 20 hours in the past few weeks wet sanding, compounding and polishing my black hull. Never used Rejex, I use 3M Perfect it 2 to compound it, and Starbrite marine polish with Teflon to protect it. I don't think I have any swirls. Gelcoat is more forgiving than black automotive paint.
I'm thinking I'll do another coat within 30 days as per the instructions, but god dam, its a lot of work.

 

[njmr2fan]

What kind of polisher or buffer is this guy using? I use a variable speed random orbital polisher no swirl marks. Is he talking about that or using a high speed buffer? I'd be more worried a buffer would burn the gelcoat than leaving swirl marks.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

He should be using wool pads first and then finishing with foam pads to polish the last micro-mars out. Sounds like he doesn't do much work with gelcoat?

Buffer trails are signs of improper buffing technique/products not the paint material (clear coat or gelcoat).

 

[Skysurfer2010]

Thanks for all the info.

@Chillypilot Rejex works great. Easy to apply. A little goes a long way. Just make sure the boat is as clean as possible before applying it.

 

[BoaterGuy]

I buff mine twice a year with a harbor freight buffer/polisher. You will get swirl marks with compound and wax then you must use a polishing pad (3M) with polish to get the swirl marks out and finish polishing.

Here is a link to what I do and it works great (but is time consuming)

https://jetboaters.net/posts/14074/

 

[DCB-270]

I've been using Turtle Wax Ice spray. Don't last as long as regular wax but it is real easy to apply. Just spray and wipe. Now I sound like a commercial.

 

[Glassman]

I dropped my 242LS off at a boat detailer today. He's going to use my supplied Rejex on the hull and he asked about using a buffer on it. He's concerned with a black hull that it will leave swirl marks. I always used Rejex by hand. What do you guys think? Will a buffer leave marks/ swirls in the hull?

I think it's more of "Should" he use a buffer at all.....

According to their website, RejeX should be wiped on, allowed to dry for 10-20 minutes until it forms a haze, wiped off, then allowed to cure for 8-12 hours (depending on the humidity).

After RejeX dries to a haze (about 10-20 minutes), simply wipe it off. Unlike waxes that require strenuous rubbing or buffing to remove, RejeX wipes on and off easily.

Buffers work just fine. If you use a buffer, do not apply RejeX with pressure, simply use the buffer to spread out (and/or wipe off) the product.

Sometimes doing it by hand is the best approach. AND, you'll have an opportunity to feel the hull for damage and irregularities you can sometimes overlook. Of course if someone else is doing it you won't get the benefit of that aspect of caring for your boat.