How do they polish/wax those big hulls on yachts?

3 Comments

1. ricsudukai says:

   May 25, 2010 at 6:30 pm

   It’s a continuous job and you use whatever machines are available to make it more efficient. In the end even with a buffer the job is very hands on.

   Yes it does take a while without a large workforce.

   At the upper end of the market dirt is still dirt – and the principles of cleaning and polishing are the same too. You clean the surface of all salt with clean water, then you use a mild detergent of some type to clean any dirt and smut from the surface using soft, non-abrasive cloths and brushes always, then you treat any corrosion and surface issues, then you apply your chosen wax or protective coating sparingly and fully buff out section by section. You don’t do it on hot bright days, or when the humidity is too high or low generally. As always you are best doing a little often.

   There are good cleaners and protective compounds out there, mostly it is not the latest ‘new improved’ thing that works best, just the good old soapy water will clean as good as anything else, and Canuba wax is very proven. I do not like silicon ‘waxes’ as they can really stuff up your day should any cosmetic or damage repair be needed.

   Good luck.
2. Simon says:

   May 25, 2010 at 6:30 pm

   They use electric buffing machines, I think its the same as for smaller boats just takes longer.
3. I KNOW THINGS says:

   May 25, 2010 at 6:30 pm

   basically the will use a dual action or rotary buffer or both
   they will use whatever compound/polish is necessary for the finish

   and its not just gonna be one person doing it
   it will be a whole team of people working on it all at once