3M™ polishes: The art of the perfect finish for gelcoat, paints and varnishes
May 2025
In the world of boat renovation, the quality of the finish is an essential criterion. Over time, painted, varnished or gel-coated surfaces naturally lose their shine. Exposure to sunlight, salt, pollution and even micro-scratches alter the appearance of boat hulls. Choosing the right products and techniques is therefore crucial to achieving impeccable results.
To remedy this, today there are effective renovation solutions capable of correcting surface defects while restoring a smooth, shiny appearance. Among the brands renowned for their effectiveness and innovation, 3M™ occupies a prime position. Specializing in abrasives, polishes and repair solutions, 3M™ offers a comprehensive range of polishes suitable for different types of surface, including gelcoat, paint and varnish.
In this article, we will detail the use of 3M™ polishes in two distinct parts:
A complete, step-by-step system
Light oxidation
Medium oxidation
Heavy oxidation
The benefits of the 3M™ gelcoat renovation system
Trizact™ technology from 3M™: innovation for precise, high-performance sanding
Products designed for performance and precision
A modern approach to polishing
1 - 3M™ Perfect-It™ Gelcoat renovation system
Gelcoat surfaces, ubiquitous in the nautical world, are renowned for their robustness and glossy finish. However, faced with the constant aggression of sun, salt, water and friction, they gradually lose their shine and can become dull, oxidized or scratched. To remedy these alterations without compromising the quality of the substrate, 3M™ has developed a renovation system specially dedicated to gelcoats. This comprehensive system aims to restore the surface in depth, revive shine and offer lasting protection against the elements.
A complete, step-by-step system
The 3M™Perfecti-It™ gelcoat renovation system is based on a progressive approach, from abrasive cleaning to high-gloss finishing, with products specifically formulated for polyester or epoxy surfaces. It allows intervention according to the level of gelcoat degradation: light oxidation, medium oxidation and heavy oxidation.
*For steps 1 and 2, it is not necessary to sand the surface.
1.light oxidation: rapid recovery and aesthetic maintenance.
When the gelcoat shows only a slight loss of shine or a few superficial micro-scratches, a light intervention is all it takes to restore it to its former glory. A simple deep cleaning removes impurities, salt marks and oxidation residues. There's no need to sand at this stage: gentle buffing with a suitable polish, applied with foam or sheepskin, revives the surface in just a few strokes. To enhance the finish and protect the gelcoat durably from external aggressions such as UV rays, humidity or salt water, the application of a finishing wax is highly recommended, although optional. This type of treatment is ideal for regular maintenance or rapid restoration of slightly deteriorated surfaces.
2.medium oxidation: intermediate correction for a tarnished surface.
In the case of moderate oxidation, the gelcoat shows visible deterioration: the surface becomes dull, superficial scratches are perceptible to the naked eye and the feel loses its softness. At this stage, an intermediate correction can restore the hull's vitality without major intervention. After careful cleaning, the application of a moderately abrasive polish is usually sufficient to reduce defects, revive color and restore shine. Used with a sheepskin and a suitable polisher, the product delivers fast, effective results. The addition of a protective wax, although optional, is strongly recommended to prolong the effects of the treatment and preserve the shine against external aggression.
3. severe oxidation : Complete, in-depth renovation.
When the gelcoat is badly oxidized, tarnished, bleached or marked by deep scratches, in-depth renovation is essential. This type of intervention requires a progressive, multi-stage approach to effectively restore the surface. The process begins with calibrated sanding to remove the oxidized surface layer and even out defects. Using progressively finer abrasives, scratches are progressively refined until a smooth base is obtained, ready for polishing. Buffing with a high-cutting polish then revives the color and texture of the gelcoat, while eliminating any remaining defects. Finally, final protection is imperative: not only does it guarantee a long-lasting shine, it also provides a barrier against future aggressions such as UV rays, salt or humidity. To save time, you can also use Coumpound Polish, which combines the polishing and protection stages. This entire protocol ensures a professional result, even on the most degraded surfaces.
The benefits of the 3M™Perfect-It™ gelcoat renovation system.
- Professional technology derived from 3M™ industrial know-how, and adapted to shipyards.
- Compatibility between products: the products in the 3M™ renovation system are designed to complement each other, step by step, without negative interaction.
- Long-lasting results: improved gloss retention, enhanced resistance to oxidation and easier maintenance.
💡 A GL Marine's advice: When renovating a gelcoat, it's essential to ensure that a different pad or foam is used for each stage, to avoid cross-contamination between abrasive, polishing and finishing products. Sheepskin is particularly recommended for the more aggressive correction phases, thanks to its high cutting power. For the finishing stages, on the other hand, a softer polishing foam provides a more homogeneous finish and optimum shine. The more carefully and precisely you sand, the less time you'll need to polish. In fact, the use of a fine-grain abrasive results in a smoother surface, making the finishing work much easier. Wiping should always be done with clean, dry microfiber cloths, to avoid scratching the surface. Finally, we strongly recommend working away from the sun, on a cool, clean and well-prepared surface, to guarantee the effectiveness of the products and the quality of the final result.
2 - 3M™ Perfect-It™ roto-orbital finishing system for paints and varnishes
The 3M™ Perfect-It™ roto-orbital finishing system has been designed to simplify the renovation of paints and varnishes, while guaranteeing a professional result. Thanks to a two-step process, polishing followed by buffing, and the use of a roto-orbital buffing machine, it eliminates surface defects while revealing the gloss of the treated surface, and without the risk of holograms. This system is ideal for delicate finishes, even on dark or freshly applied paints.
Orange peel, dust, lack of shine... what are the solutions for eradicating these defects on my boat hull?
Surface defects such as orange peel, embedded dust or lack of gloss are common after the application of varnish or paint to boat hulls. 3M™ has developed precise and effective solutions to correct these irregularities without compromising the final appearance.
Trizact™ technology from 3M™: innovation for precise, high-performance sanding
Trizact™ technology from 3M™ revolutionizes sanding thanks to a unique abrasive design. Unlike traditional abrasives, Trizact™ uses a three-dimensional microstructure composed of tiny pyramid-shaped peaks. This structure enables more even, controlled abrasion, delivering an ultra-precise, even finish. Trizact™ grain discs are used only with water placed right on the surface. It is this same structure that will allow the water to evacuate.
Focus on Trizact™ technology
Thanks to this innovative design, sanding is not only more efficient, but also reduces premature wear of the sanding paper. The result? A perfectly prepared surface, with rapid and consistent removal of defects, while preserving the integrity of paint or varnish.
PROGRESSIVE SANDING
Grain 1500 → Flaw grinding
Grain 3000 → Scratch refinement
Grain 8000 → Polishing / Refining micro-scratches
Once sanding has been carried out with precision thanks to Trizact™ technology, the surface is perfectly prepared to move on to the essential polishing and buffing stage. This is where the 3M™ Perfect-It™ system comes in, to reveal all the depth and shine of the varnish or paint, while eliminating the last micro-scratches.
Products designed for performance and precision
Every component of the system has been carefully developed to meet the demands of everyday workshop life:
- The 3M™ Perfect-It™ polishing liquid for roto-orbital system offers a fast, controlled cut, effectively removing sanding marks without generating secondary marks. For use if sanding stops at Trizact™ P3000.
Associated foam: for more intensive actions, Perfect-It™ sheepskin can be used fearlessly on freshly painted panels, with impressive consistency of result, with no risk of perforation or error.
- The polishing liquid, just as easy to use, guarantees a brilliant, even finish, even on very delicate varnishes. Use if sanding stops at Trizact™ P8000.
Associated foam : Buffing foam ensures even, comfortable application, with no fluffing or splattering. It completes the job by revealing the full brilliance of the paint.
Thanks to their aqueous base, both 3M™ Perfect-it™ liquids are easy to clean, low-odour and more pleasant to use every day.
A modern approach to polishing
The vision of 3M™ with this new generation of products is clear: to simplify the finishing stage while guaranteeing a superior level of quality. Where traditional rotary systems required a great deal of experience to avoid defects, roto-orbital tools are part of a modern, safe and efficient polishing logic, where everyone can achieve a professional result from the very first use.
Whether you're working on the hull of a boat, with a gelcoat structure exposed to UV and salt, or on a painted or varnished surface that has lost its shine, 3M™ offers professional and effective renovation solutions, tailored to every need.
Thanks to its complete 3M™ Perfect-It™ system, the brand provides you with products that are easy to use, high-performing, and above all designed to deliver long-lasting results without compromising on finish.
With the right products and tools, you can improve speed, precision and quality, while extending the life of your surfaces.
Ready to move on to professional finishing?
👉 Discover 3M Perfect-It™ renovation solutions
or
👉 Contact us for a customized technical recommendation
💡 For more information:
via our contact form or email to : aglmarine@agl-marine.comAn AGL Marine sales representative will contact you and guide you to the product best suited to your needs.
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