Gel Coat Polish
Why all the confusion!

We Need Straightforward Answers Darren!

• What is the difference between wax and polish?


• Can I polish the Gel Coat myself?


• Do I need a buffer to polish Gel Coat?


• Is there a Gel Coat polish I can use by hand?

Just What is the Difference?

The simple answer: Wax is any product used for protection and visual enhancement only. Waxes will be made using any combination of natural and synthetic ingredients. Polishes by the true definition are products that contain some form of abrasives, and contain no form of wax, silicone, or polymers; synthetic or natural. But once again, this does not mean the industry does not mislabel products which they continually do, and this also does not mean that many forms of multi-purpose products exist, as many do. There are many products that might be labeled as cleaner waxes or cleaner sealants that combine (2) steps into one product. And there are many products labeled as a polish, but has no form of abrasives what so ever, and are nothing more than a sealer or wax. This is simply the industry trying to respond to the ignorance of the public, and what the manufacturer thinks will sell the most product.

Can I Polish Gel Coat Myself?

The simple answer: Yes you can. And there are (2) ways you can go about it. You can do it by hand, or you can do it by machine. And when I say machine, you have a few choices. Let's examine the first method of using a gel coat polish by hand.

Polishing Gel Coat by Hand

If you are dealing with a brand new boat, or a boat whose gel coat is in excellent condition, then you need to be reading my page on gel coat wax. At that page you can be reading as to the best gel coat wax is for your boat or RV.

But the reality is that most boat and RV owners are going to be dealing with a certain level of oxidation to their gel coat or fiberglass. This is where gel coat polishes come into play. The idea of buying and learning to use a car buffer is scary to most, so the idea of polishing your gel coat by hand is very appealing. And the good news is that there are some really good products out there for mild to moderate levels of oxidation. Use any of the secure links below to get your own gel coat polishes, and start getting professional results yourself!

Mild Oxidation

Gel Coat Labs One-Step Micro-Polish and Sealant 16 oz.

This 2 in 1 product from Gel Coat Labs is your answer to removing mild levels of oxidation while applying protection in the form of synthetic polymers.

Darren's Tips

Unless you have a brand new boat or RV that has not been sitting on a dealer lot, your boat or RV will have some level of oxidation. If in doubt, you can bet you have some oxidation. For this reason, I think a 2 in 1 product is going to be the choice for 99% of you out there at a bare minimum. Use this product with a damp terry cloth rag for some "bite" and apply with heavy pressure rubbing back and forth or in circular motions. Remove with a dry micro-fiber towel.

If you are a die hard Meguiar's fan, then this cleaner wax is a go for you and offers cleaners to remove mild levels of oxidation while leaving a coat of protection in one step. This product contains no formal abrasives to it which is why it is correctly labeled as a cleaner wax rather than a gel coat polish.

Meguiars Mirror Glaze #50 Marine/RV Cleaner Wax

Moderate to Heavy Gel Coat Oxidation

If you are dealing with moderate to heavy levels of oxidation, or simply want to take your boat or RV to the next level regardless of light to heavy oxidation, I recommend using this compound from Meguiar's as a first step.

Meguiars Marine/RV #91 Power Cut Compound 32 oz.

Darren's Tips

Use this product as the first step by applying with a damp terry cloth rag with heavy handed pressure in back and forth or circular motions. When dealing with heavy layers of oxidation I spray the area I am using this and any gel coat polish with water. You can use the garden hose or a spray bottle. This allows the polish to remain liquid as it breaks down the oxidation. After sufficient polishing by hand, allow to haze up before removing with a dry micro-fiber towel. Follow up with your choice in gel coat wax or polymer sealant. I prefer the Meguiar's #21 sealant myself.

Gel Coat Polish Machine Polishing

When it comes to detailing, whether you are working on cars, RV's, or boats, nothing can duplicate the speed and consistency of a buffer. While many horror stories exist regarding the infamous high-speed buffer, when it comes to working on gel coat or fiberglass, it is incredibly safe due to the fact that gel coat and fiberglass are such durable and resistant materials. In fact, I actually recommend any person looking to learn the skills of polishing, to first begin on gel coat or fiberglass. A person would have to seriously try and do damage on these types of materials for anything wrong to happen!

Makita 9227C Rotary Polisher

Makita 9227C Rotary Polisher

This car buffer is one of my favorites and the buffer I used the first half of my detailing career. The only reason I switched to the De Walt I use now is due to the fact that they are both comparable, and I was unable to get the Makita in the time constraints I was working under at the time. This Makita is also ideal for this moment as it comes with the (2) levels of wool pads needed for working with gel coat polish. In fact, any of the above gel coat polish recommendations can be used with this buffer and wool pads. Gel coat and fiberglass are so much more durable than car paint, high speed buffers and wool pads are ideal for this level of polishing. The Makita is also the most versatile due to the greatest variable speed settings; from 600 RPM on up. Because you can adjust the speed setting to such a low speed, it becomes the ideal tool for beginners as well as professionals alike!

Darren, Can You Tell Us What You Use?

For starters. I truly recommend the Makita buffer from just above. If you have ever thought of learning to use a car buffer before, this Makita is the perfect choice as it is ideal for the true beginner, and will adjust to every level of expertise you develop along the way. As far as a true gel coat polish goes, meaning a polish with actual polishing abrasives to it, I recommend the line from Meguair's.

Meguiar's Swirl-Free Polishing Kit

Meguiars Swirl-Free Kit for Machine Application

About 3 years ago I needed to find a better product for polishing gel coat. I had a major fiberglass restoration project to do, and the current polish I was using was frustrating me. I started asking around and discovered the Meguiar's #105 cutting compound; I have never looked back! This product, along with meguiar's #205, are the most user friendly polishes I have ever used; period! I absolutely love them and use them on cars, boats, or RV's. When you have to do some serious polishing by machine, I recommend these with full conviction!
This kit is ideal for anyone looking to save a little money, and prepare themselves for all levels of polishing whether this be cars, boats, and RV's. The Makita kit above comes with wool pads which I recommend for polishing gel coats and fiberglass, and this polish kit comes with foam pads that are recommended for polishing car paint. So between these (2) kits, any person would be complete in their arsenal of polishes and tools for the complete range of polishing needs.

Darren's Tips

If you are starting with the Meguiar's 105 due to heavier layers of oxidation, I recommend spraying either water or a quick detailer to the area you are working on. Simply apply a small amount of polish; amount a quarter sized dollop, mist the area with a couple shots of water or quick detailer, and begin to polish with bufer set at about 1400 RPM's. Trigger down the speed to very slow at first as you start to work it in and around the area. Build up the speed to about 1400 RPM and let the watery gel coat polish mixture do its work. Be careful as it can get messy if you use too much water. You will have to finesse the moment to find the winning combination of polish and water. You will be amazed at your results and what is possible with the right combination of tools and products!

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