For boats that aren’t responding to heavy-cut compound on the rotary buffer, wet sanding or dry sanding is the only way to dig deep enough into the oxidation and faded gelcoat. In this video, I walk you step-by-step through the full process: ✅ Dry sanding with 800 grit to aggressively remove deep oxidation and chalky gelcoat that compounding alone can’t touch. ✅ Wet sanding with 1000 grit to refine those sanding marks and prep the surface for buffing. ✅ Stark Heavy Cut Compound on the rotary buffer to eliminate sanding scratches and bring back the initial gloss. ✅ Stark Elevate on a yellow wool pad to further refine the surface, remove any remaining haze or oxidation, and boost clarity. ✅ Stark Finish R on the polisher to achieve a flawless, high-gloss mirror finish. Whether you’re restoring severely oxidized gelcoat or just want pro-level results, this video breaks down every step you need to know—no shortcuts, no fluff.

Before quoting a full boat restoration, it’s crucial to perform a test spot. In this video, we show why this simple step is so important—not just for the detailer, but for the customer too. A test spot allows us to evaluate the true condition of the gel coat, determine how many stages of correction are needed, and give an accurate estimate of the time, effort, and cost involved. Every boat is different, and oxidation levels vary—don’t guess, test! Whether it’s light fading or heavy chalky oxidation, a test spot tells the real story. 📍 Southwest Florida Boat & Auto Detailing 📞 Contact us today to schedule your test spot and get a restoration plan tailored to your boat! #BoatDetailing #GelCoatRestoration #TestSpot #OxidationRemoval #MarineDetailing #BoatRestoration #SWFLDetailing #CeramicCoating #DetailingTips

Cleaning and maintaining your buffer and polisher pads is essential for achieving professional-level results on both boats and cars. Dirty or clogged pads can cause swirl marks, reduce polishing effectiveness, and even damage your paint or gel coat. By regularly cleaning your pads, you remove built-up product, contaminants, and debris that can hinder performance. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your pads but also ensures consistent, smooth results every time. Whether you’re correcting oxidation on a boat or polishing a car to a mirror finish, clean pads make all the difference in getting that flawless shine.