Restore Your Aluminum Boat: Paint, Protect, And Prevent Fading

Faded aluminium boat paint can be a common issue for boat owners. The good news is that there are several ways to restore it. Firstly, it's important to clean the boat thoroughly with a proper boat cleaner and remove any old adhesives or stickers. Then, consider using a power buffer to save time and energy. For light restoration, an all-in-one polish can be applied by hand or machine. For heavier restoration, a liquid compound can be applied with a polishing foam pad and a rotary polisher. It's important to note that the type of paint and its thickness should be considered before attempting any restoration, as some methods may damage the paint.

Clean the boat thoroughly before applying any products

Before applying any products, it is important to clean the boat thoroughly. This means giving the boat a good wash to remove any dirt and grime. Use a proper boat cleaner, and don't forget to remove any old adhesives or stickers with a release adhesive and sealant remover. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, and dry the boat with a cloth afterwards.

Once the boat is clean and dry, you can start preparing the surface for the restoration products. This involves using a power buffer to buff the boat. A power buffer will make the job much easier and quicker, and will save your hands and wrists from fatigue. If you don't own a power buffer, you can rent one from an equipment store.

After buffing, you can apply a fiberglass compound to restore the quality of the fiberglass and remove any oxidation and stains. This will ensure that your paint restoration will be more effective and long-lasting.

Use a power buffer to make the job easier

Using a power buffer can make the job of restoring faded aluminium boat paint much easier. It will save you from having to manually polish the entirety of the boat by hand, which can be time-consuming and tiring.

Firstly, you'll want to ensure you have the right equipment. You can either buy a power buffer, or rent one from an equipment store. You'll also need to purchase a polishing compound. For example, 3M makes good products that are suitable for this purpose.

Before you begin, make sure you wash your boat thoroughly. Once it's clean and dry, you can start with the power buffer. Apply a small amount of the polishing compound directly to the surface of the boat, or to a clean, damp microfibre cloth. Work in a light, criss-crossing motion.

If you're using a power buffer, you'll want to use a foam pad attachment. Set the speed to a slower speed, such as 800 rpm, to start with. This will help you avoid accidentally burning through the paint. You can then increase the speed to around 1500 rpm to finish the job.

Using a power buffer will make the job of restoring your aluminium boat's paintwork much quicker and easier. It will also help you achieve a professional-looking finish.

Use a heavy cut compound to restore shine

To restore the shine of a faded aluminium boat, you can use a heavy cut compound. This method is recommended for boats that are not in "very bad shape".

• Start with a good wash of the boat.
• Use a heavy cut compound with a DA (Dual Action) buffer and a wool cutting pad. Work at a slower speed to avoid burning through the gel coat.
• Follow this with a medium compound and wax, again using a DA buffer but with a new/washed wool pad.
• Finish with a wax, using a DA buffer and a grey foam pad.

This process will help restore the shine and gloss of your aluminium boat.

It is important to note that you should always start with a less aggressive compound and work your way up if needed. Test on a small area first to ensure you don't cause further damage.

Apply a colour restorer to prevent damage

To restore the colour of a faded aluminium boat, you can apply a colour restorer to prevent damage. This will remove oxidation, chalking, and fading without damaging the boat itself. It will also prepare your boat for waxing.

PoliGlow: This product is a clear coat that provides a shine superior to any wax. It fills in the microscopic voids in the gel coat, creating a "like wet" surface reflection. PoliGlow is easy to apply, requiring only a wipe-on application with no rubbing or buffing. It lasts for over 12 months and can be used on boats, RVs, trailers, and other fibreglass surfaces.

Colour Restorer: This product will remove oxidation, chalking, and fading without damaging the boat. It will also prepare the surface for waxing.

G3 Pro All-In-One Polish: This product is suitable for light restoration and can be applied by hand or machine. It removes swirls, holograms, minor defects, and leaves a high-gloss shine. Wash and dry the surface, then apply the polish directly or to a damp microfibre cloth, working in a light, criss-crossing motion. Finally, remove the residue and polish with a dry microfibre cloth.

3M Products: Start with a good wash, then use 3M Heavy Cut with a Dual Action (DA) buffer and a wool cutting pad. Follow this with 3M Medium Compound with wax, using a new or washed wool pad. Finish with 3M Wax and a grey foam pad.

Marine 31 All-in-One: This product is great for light oxidation and can be used on the interior and gunwales of the boat.

Meguiar's Marine/RV Fiberglass Restoration System: This three-step system includes an oxidation remover, boat polish, and boat wax.

Wax the boat to protect against UV damage

To restore the paint on your aluminium boat, you'll need to clean, polish and wax.

Firstly, give your boat a good wash. This will ensure that any restoration products you use will be able to work effectively.

Next, you'll want to use a polishing compound to restore the quality of your paint. You can do this by hand, but it's recommended to use a power buffer to save your hands and wrists, especially as there's a lot of space to cover on a boat. Work the compound into the hull of the boat, and be sure to use a product that is suitable for marine use. You can also use a wool pad on a rotary buffer for this step.

Finally, to protect your boat from future UV damage, you'll want to apply a wax. LifeWax or Graphix Wax are recommended for this purpose. Waxing your boat will ensure that your hard work isn't undone, and will keep your boat looking its best for longer.

Frequently asked questions