Aqua-Buff vs. 3M Marine Restorer and Wax
 

I finally finished buffing out and cleaning up the new Jubilee.

Of course _after_ I bought the highly touted aqua-buff 1000 and 2000, I talked to a friend (runs his own auto shop and does some body work with it) who says, don't waste your time with all that garbage, just use this! 3m Marine Restorer and Wax.

At this point, I've already run the AB 1000 over the entire boat and have just about finished one side with AB 2000. I had not touched the top deck by the pooper or sink with any AB, so I did a quick test of the 3m there. With all of about a minute of running the buffer, attached are pics that quick test.

After that, I decided to finish the one side of the boat the way I originally planned with AB followed by Meguiars wax and finish the other side with 3m all in one. In the end, I think the AB gets a bit better finish, but with about 5 times the work and 10 times the mess. I'm planning to monitor which side does better through the summer.


Differences in usability:
The AB 1000 starts out feeling reasonably abrasive. I kept the polish wet with mist from garden hose which kept thinning the slurry until I was pretty much running the buffer on just water. The 2000 is very creamy smooth. I did the same thing as with the 1000, keeping the polish wet until I was down to clean water. I rarely had to clean the pad with AB.

The 3m starts out feeling VERY abrasive, but quickly breaks down to smooth, then chalky, then dry and gone. Wipe up with a clean dry cloth and done. I ran the buffer at a much lower speed than with the AB. The pad collected the polish and gelcoat, so I had to constantly clean the pad.


If I were to do it all over again:
If I am looking to get a show quality finish that's absolutely perfect, I'd use the AB. If I am looking for a very good usable finish that cuts through the chalk and gives a great shine, 3m.


Which finish will last longer:
I won't know until later this summer :)


Next two replies have before/after pics.

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

Before pics.

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

After pics.

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

Great write up, thanks for taking the time to share that info! Im going to be buffing this weekend with a buddy. He got the 3M stuff.
I found the 3M Marine stuff for about $17 for 16oz on Amazon.
The only price I found on the AB 1000/ 2000 was about $100 each (shipped) in a 2 gal buckets. The price of the AB is better but it only comes in 2 gal. (2 gal of 3M=$136)
Maybe split the cost of the AB with a buddy and come out $100 each!

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

I ended up buying AB from here for 50 bux per 1 gallon bucket plus shipping.

I'd guess I used less than a fifth of each bucket of AB (I'd have to measure it to be certain). If you want it for your project, I would send what's left in both buckets for $60 plus shipping. You would have more than enough to do your boat, then send the rest on to someone else. I suspect 5 boats could easily be done with the gallon of each.

Although, thinking about it, I used more 2000 than 1000 and only did half the boat with it so that math is bit fuzzy. Probably will run out of 2000 before 1000.

Also, I wouldn't be able to ship it today though, so I doubt you'd get it by Sat.

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

I'm thinkin' that we just drop our boats off at your place.....and pick 'em up when you're done. :rolling_laugh:

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

ha. While I really like seeing the boat cleaned up, there wasn't quite _that_ much enjoyment in the whole process of getting it there. But... I'd be happy to send the remaining AB to you first, then you can send it onto Moto when you're done with it :wink_thumbup:

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

Aqua Buff 2000 Buffing Polishing Compound 16oz | eBay

Aqua Buff 1000 Cutting Polishing Compound 16oz | eBay

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

Of course Ebay! That did not come up in my search...

Ill prob give it a whirl after I run out of the all the Presta stuff I have left over.

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

What do ya think about the "Presto" stuff Moto?
I keep hearing it's great. Give some first hand review.........please?

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

Dang, where was that when I was looking a month ago?! That's exactly what I was looking for, but could only find the small containers of 1000.

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

Here is the stuff I've used. I have not used other higher quality stuff before to compare it to but I can say it smells good! Haha! The shine lasted from July to sept before needing to be touched up after multiple washings.
The compound I used the first time and the polish an wax since. Just use the correct pads. I had to order them online.


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Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

Interesting. Were on line did you get it? I might give it a try next season.

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

DnS Paint here in Pueblo. I was amazed they had it. I don't know if you remember the post I put up about waxing and buffing but the guy who did that write up used that stuff. He was a professional and seemed to favor it. I think I spent right around 100$ on the 3 items plus a buff pad.
I recall needing to use a squirt bottle with the compound. It liked to be moistened. Forgot to mention that earlier.

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Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M Marine Restorer and Wax
 

I have a question about waxes in general. How is everyone waxing the textured walking areas? Wax builds up an is a pain. Is there a trick I'm missing out on?

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Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M Marine Restorer and Wax
 

I usually do a real light coat if any on the non skid areas. One time I did a thick coat and not only was it a pain but it was way too slippery and dangerous. So I usually don't do those areas like the outer hull. But when I do, I use a cotton rag and scrub it by hand.


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Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

Thank you for the pictures. Mine are below. That's what I thought about the snaps. I really don't want to replace them all. It would be a mess. Just need to make do with what we have I guess.

I will just hold my wife by her ankles to put the cover on.

Bill

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

I am using the Meguiars fiberglass restoration kit and it is working great. It is an oxidazation remover, high gloss polish, and a wax. For something with UV protection I am finishing it up with Mirror Glaze 21 paint sealant. 21 is the best paint protectant/sealant I have ever used, it is tougher and it lasts much longer then any wax. I will post some before and after pictures when I get back out there.

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M
 

+1 :rolling_laugh:

Re: Aqua-Buff vs. 3M Marine Restorer and Wax
 

Clean is extra good, then Turtle spray wax