3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Heavy Cutting Compound, 36102, 1 Quart, Fiberglass Oxidation Remover for Boats and RVs

I tried an oxidisation remover from a well known brand which just ‘wasn’t cutting it’. It took 3-4 passes to get anywhere. So I thought I’d go for something heavier, this is what I found and boy did this do the job! If you follow the instructions for polish speed plus go light pressure on your final pass it really shines up. I didn’t even bother with a step 2 finishing polish in the end, just went straight for a gel coat wax protective coat. I didn’t believe my 30yr old heavily oxidised hull could ever look this good. For a 36ft yacht I got though 2 and a bit bottles. The small bottles are handy because they fit in your back pocket whilst up a ladder. I used fairly cheap wool pads on my DA polisher.

Previously I used the 3M medium cutting compound however for my use case (Heavy Oxidation on coloured Gel coat) I ended up doing multiple passes and still not getting the desired outcome. This year I used the heavy cut only required on pass and then I went round with the 3M light cut and polish and saved a lot of time and effort - ok a bit more money to buy two products but the outcome was better.

Easy to use and great results

Excellent product and service

Very pleased with product

Should you use this 3M Heavy? Here's some parameters for fiberglass gel coat: This is the stuff for boats/RVs that are a few years old but don't leave a white dust on your shirt or hand if you brush it (after a good pressure wash, of course). If you're getting significant dust, you should probably dry-sand first, use this second, use a lighter compound third, then rinse or vacuum or blow off fourth and then wax. Compounding leaves significant abrasive dust behind on the boat that needs removed before waxing. The whole process takes several days to over a week for a 25-ft boat.. Sorry, but it does. I use this if wet-sanding is not quite necessary but somewhat close. It's a little more aggressive than Presta Gel Coat Compound, but not by much, making the Presto a very good second-rounder or for lighter work. (Presta also provides more shine at that stage but not as much efficiency at oxy-cutting.) 3M Heavy shines somewhat when done on glitter gel coat, but mostly provides a flat, polished consistency to the finished product when viewing askance to the light. It's unlike some with polish in them, which create a false impression that early in the process. 3M Heavy is indeed for cutting old oxy and must be used with a good rotary, not a DA. If you want oscillation, set your rotary's velcro pad off-center one or two millimeters. But muscle is required and consistent RPM rotary polishers provide this, along with the 3M Heavy. In hot weather, dot the surface being polished rather than applying it all to the rotary pad. Do a picking-up action as you rotate and as you keep moving. This keeps the compound from drying too fast upon use, because it's in a droplet and already placed, rather than smeared on thinly, as we're taught. This stuff is expensive, but when you're into working on something with a lot of value, it's best to spend the money and be sure you're making good progress safely. Never linger in one spot too long, as it can burn, but this is not likely if you keep moving and feel the surface frequently against your cheek.

Nutze nun schon die 2. Buddel von dieser Politur. Hiermit 3 Boote aufbereitet und zu neuem Glanz verholfen. Bietet sich an bei stark verwittertem GFK, hat sehr gute Schleif- und Poliereigenschaften.

Delivered as promised. Using it on a 15+ yr Larson bow rider (white) and it’s restoring the original glossy finish very well… using a 7" power buffer w/ wool pads

Super polisch pour nos bateaux à coque foncer

3M a un excellent produit pour le GelCoat de bateau, il vaut son prix!