If you own a yacht, it's important to keep it in great shape to keep its worth and performance. Buffing is an important part of yacht finishing because it makes the boat look better and makes it look like it's brand new again. But cleaning a yacht can be hard, and if you don't do it right, you could damage the surface in a way that can't be fixed. In this blog, we'll talk about what you should and shouldn't do when buffing your yacht. These tips come from Swift Spirit, a top yacht detailing company in Blaine, WA.
What is Buffing?
Buffing is a way to clean the surface of a boat and get rid of rust, stains, and scratches. It includes removing the damaged layer of paint or gel coat with an abrasive material, like a polishing compound, a buffing pad, and a high-speed buffer machine. By buffing, the surface of the boat can get its shine and gloss back and get a smooth finish.
Dos of Buffing Your Yacht
1. Use the Correct Polishing Pad
To get the look you want, you must choose the right buffing pad. If you need to get rid of deep scratches, oxidation, or spots, use a wool pad and a sharp blade. For light cutting and shaping to make a smooth surface, a foam pad works best. Also important is the color of the pad. Polishing is best done with a white pad, while compounding is best done with a black pad.
2. Choose the Right Polishing Compound
The state of the yacht's surface will help you choose the right polishing compound. Use a heavy-cut compound to get rid of deep cuts or rust. Use a medium-cut compound for smaller scratches or spots. Lastly, use a light-cut compound as a closing touch. For better results, the detailing experts at Swift Spirit suggest using a marine-grade compound.
3. Check the Speed and the Pressure
There are different speeds for buffing tools. To keep the yacht's surface from getting damaged, it's important to use the right speed setting and pressure. The experts behind Swift Spirit say to start with a low speed and slowly increase it as needed. Don't press too hard, or the buffer pad will wear out quickly and the surface could get damaged.
4. Protect the Areas Around
When buffing, the polishing powder can get all over the place and make a mess. To avoid this, cover areas that don't need to be buffed, like metal tools, windows, or surfaces that aren't painted, with painter's tape. This will also make it easy to clean up.
Don'ts of Buffing Your Yacht
1. Smooth out a dirty surface
When you buff a dirty surface, the rough particles can scratch the surface and hurt the paint or gel coat. Make sure to clean the boat well with a mild detergent and water before buffing. This will get rid of any dirt, salt, or other gunk that may have built up on the surface.
2. Buff in Direct Sunlight
When you buff in direct sunshine, the polishing compound can dry out quickly, making it less useful. It can also make the area too hot, which makes it hard to work with. To get the best effects, it's best to buff in the shade or inside.
3. Overuse Buffing Pads
Buffing pads wear out over time, and using them after they are no longer effective can hurt more than help. If you use a worn-out pad, it can leave swirl marks that are hard to get rid of. The experts at Swift Spirit say that the buffing pad should be changed every few times, based on the surface and the type of pad used.
4. Skip the Post-Buffing Cleanup
After buffing, it is important to clean up the polishing powder that was left behind. If you leave the leftovers, it can stain or change the color over time. Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove any polishing solution that is still on the surface. The experts at Swift Spirit also suggest using marine-grade wax to protect the surface and make it shine better.
More Advice on How to Polish Your Yacht
1. Use a polisher with two functions.
A dual-action polisher is a useful tool that can be used to cut and shine at the same time. It is also less rough than a rotating buffer and safer to use on surfaces that are easily damaged. If you use the right buffing pad and polishing substance with a dual-action polisher, you can get better results.
2. Consider Ceramic Coating
Ceramic coating is a common option to waxing that protects the yacht's surface for a long time. It makes a protective layer that can stand up to UV rays, saltwater, and other things in the environment that can damage the surface. Ceramic coatings are also slippery, which means that water doesn't stick to them, which makes them easier to clean.
3. Don't Forget Teak Restoration
Yachts often have teak wood, which needs to be taken care of regularly to keep it from getting dirty or damaged. Swift Spirit gives services to help restore the natural color of teak wood and protect it from the weather. It's important to remember that you shouldn't buff teak wood because it can hurt the fibers of the wood. Instead, you should clean it with a teak cleaner and a soft-bristled brush.
4. Canvasing is Key
Covers made of canvas and bimini tops are important parts of a boat that need to be taken care of. Cleaning them and keeping them away from saltwater and UV rays can help them last longer and stay in good shape. Swift Spirit has canvasing services that can help clean, fix, and protect canvas covers and bimini tops.
Conclusion
Doing a good job buffing your boat can be hard, but if you follow the dos and don'ts above, you can make the job easier and better. Make sure you pick the right buffing pad, polishing substance, and speed setting, and make sure the area around you is protected from splatters. Don't buff a surface that is dirty or in full sunlight. Don't use cleaning pads too much, and clean up the dust after you're done. Swift Spirit gives professional yacht detailing services that will help keep your boat looking nice and keeping its value. You can contact them for mobile boat detailing, yacht detailing, buffing, waxing, ceramic coating, teak repair, canvasing, and more.