What's Best for Polishing Metals?

[John Drake]

Hello Everyone

I have used a number of products for polishing the metals on the boat. Stantions, rigging, pulpit and pushpit. There are so many products out there though, and so many claims.

Anyone have anything truly magic? What are some good products you have used that require less effort (there is only one of me here) and product shining results (NOT The Shining type results...but shiny...you know).

Thanks

John

[Christian Van H]

Hi John! Which metal in particular?

[John Drake]

Stainless steel.

[Labatt]

We use Prism Polish and Miracle Cloths - they both work great on numerous metals. Prism Polish has been working best for us.

[Cheechako]

For several years now I have been using "3M Finesse-It II Finishing Material" for all gel coat, stainless and auto work. It contains no silicone and no wax and works great. One product for all the above. It's expensive but worth it. (about $21 a pint!) Got a minor scratch on you car? a little rubbing and it's gone! (if it's not through the finish.) I used it for 3 years in the carribean on my lifeline stancions and it worked great and doesnt require a lot of effort.

[seapup]

Hi John, I've tried many (expensive) polishes (Flit, etc.), but have learned a new strategy from sportfisher and mega yacht crew members here. They use any inexpensive bulk polish like bright boy to initially clean and polish (same old time consuming elbow grease method as ever). But, that is only done once a year if the next steps are followed. We then apply a coat of Great White hi-temp paste wax. It goes on, and rubs out quickly and keeps the stainless looking great for more than a quarter or so (just a light drying wipe after wash-downs). Then, quarterly, I use Great White restorer (after a washdown) to bring it all right up to sweet again. This step too is a very easy and quick application (no hard rubbing).

That probably reads like a lot - but the Great White tins of product last years, and one smaller bottle of bright boy a year ain't bad. I'm one guy keeping a big clipper bowed beauty in 10-20 foot (distance) bristol, and reducing time and sweat equity topside allows more a) underway time and b) a better chance of keeping up with systems maintenance and projects list.

Sorry to be so wordy guys!

[seapup]

Cheechaco - that Finesse - It II is an awesome product..I use it to take out scratches and polish up the saloon table (epoxy poured finish). What else do you use it for? It might be good for lexan hatches and dead lights you think?

[Cheechako]

Finesse it II: Not sure about Lexan, but I restore and build some guitars and it is the only thing I will use on Nitrocellulose laquer also. The beauty for lifeline stancions etc is it's a one step easy process that you can do while you are on a beam reach! one rag, one container... put it on rubbing it in, then wipe dry and your done. CLeaning and hard waxing etc is a PITA.

[seapup]

Thanks, shipmate..I'll be tying it on other surfaces.

[Bash]

...this one's hard to beat

[stoupidmonkey]

Ugh, nevr dull. Brings back memories of when I would rub on brass for hours in the military using that stuff, then having to do it all over again in a month. I really like bar keepers friend for brass and solid stainless, though does create hard to see scratches on the surface (nevr dull does too), but only takes a couple min to complete a job with great results. Just be sure to wash and dry the surface really well. Wouldnt use on a new boat, but an old one with small scratches on the surface of the metal, it works well and costs a couple bucks for a pound.

[stoupidmonkey]

Oh yeah, I like to use a once a year wax on it after on the stainless.

[s/v Jedi]

I will surely try Finesse - It II but that would just be the cleaning phase for me. We use a liquid teflon wax after the yearly thorough project and those quick-wax spray-bottles in between for touch up (works well)

Rinsing with fresh water frequently is important. Rub a finger over a stanchion and taste if it's salt. Sometimes I can see salt crystals build up even at anchor or in a marina.

cheers,
Nick.

[Dick Pluta]

Soft Scrub works wonders and it's inexpensive. Bartenders Friend is also good but be sure to rinse well. It contains oxalic acid. For protection I use something called Shiela Shine on my patio furniture in the Bahamas and it keeps the rust at bay, even on the seaside. I haven't tried it on the boat yet. I suspect it is some kind of silicone oil product.

Dick Pluta
AEGEA

[Jon D]

John

we have found that collinite Liquid Metal Wax (No. 850) works really well. Like all of these products requires some elbow grease but leaves a wax that minimizes staining. We have tried most of the other products over the years but keep coming back to this one.