Polishing the Hull

Summary of Yahoo Group Discussions on Hull Cleaning Feb 2012

Problem: "I need to clean and polish the hull of my boat and would be grateful for any recommendations for a good cleaner. Is it possible to buy polishing/cleaning pads (other than lambs wool covers) for an angle grinder to apply the cleaner "

Replies on type of Polishing Machine to use:

"I wouldn't use an angle grinder… much too fast."

"A slow speed polisher is not ridiculously expensive, though. You can often find them on offer."

"We bought a Clarke sander polisher from machine mart for approx £80 which is excellent and has variable speed. Even that I don't use above about half speed otherwise it just sprays the universe with polishing compound."

Replies on what to Polish with:

"Sanding papers are to my mind not a good idea" "We used Farecla polishing paste which comes in two (or more?) grades. I think we used G3 which is quick, cleans well and still gave a good enough polish for what we want. "

"I always use: FARECLA-G3-REGULAR-GRADE-PASTE-COMPOUND FARECLA-G3-REGULAR-GRADE-PASTE-COMPOUND" (Available on ebay in 1kg tubs.)

"My bodywork repair tenant swears by the 3M Fast Cut product. I think I paid about 20 quid for a large bottle"

Other cleaning (prior to polishing) suggestions: "Starbrite hull cleaner removes the yellow waterline staining. No rubbing; just apply, leave and rinse off."

"Sugar soap, the old decorator's standby"

"AutoGlym's engine cleaner"

"Cif cream (Jif as it used to be known)."

"We find oven cleaner is excellent for cleaning waterlines and hulls which are oily/tarry "