Boat Buffing 101 : Full Day Of Boat Detailing Tips

In todays video Drake Robert with Revival Marine Care takes you along for all day footage of the team detailing and buffing this boat! Come join us to take your boat detailing skills to the next level!
#boatdetailing #DIYBoatCare #shinesupply #boatrestoration
** Timestamps **
00:00 Don't Rush The Process
00:59 Using Scaffolding
01:30 Buffing Steps
02:28 Gel Coat Repair Issues
04:08 Generator
04:55 Detailing Trailer & Cleaning Wool Pads
06:50 Rupes Yellow Wool & Shine Supply Wake Up
08:26 Cockpit Detailing & Grady White Oxidation
09:02 Buffing Non Skid Tips
11:55 Cockpit Buffing Tips
12:55 Rotary Buffing Tips For Newbies
13:57 Shine Supply Wake Up Polishing
16:55 More Polishing Tips
21:13 Heavy Cut & White Wool Buffing Tips
28:49 Removing Decals
29:51 Chop Top & Yellow Wool Buffing Tips
34:18 Polishing Metal / Through Hulls
35:32 Outro
🛥 33ft Grady-White
📍Gulf Breeze, FL
💰💰 Save 15% On ALL Shine Supply Marine Products & MaxShine Products with our discount code ( DRAKE15 ) at checkout. 💰💰
💻 www.shinesupplymarine.com
💻 maxshineusa.com/shop/
📸 Follow Drake On Instagram
For Daily Tips and Tricks / drakes.detailing
Book A Boat Detail With Drake!
👉 Revival Marine Care
💻 www.revivalmarinecare.com
📞 [phone]
📍 Pensacola, FL
Initial Wash:
👉 Ryobi Pressure Washer: amzn.to/3MKJUbL
👉 MTM Hydro Easy Hold: www.detailedimage.com/wax.php...
👉 Foam Cannon ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : maxshineusa.com/product/car-w...
👉 Dawn Dish Soap: amzn.to/49yF9fb
👉 Wash Mitt ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : maxshineusa.com/product/micro...
Buffing Steps :
Step 1: Cut
👉 Heavy Cut ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
👉 White Wool Pad ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
Step 2: Medium Cut
👉 Chop Top ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
👉 Yellow Wool ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
Step 3: Polish
👉Chop Top ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
👉 Wake Up Ceramic Polish ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
👉Orange Lake County CCS Foam Pad ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
Step4: Wax
👉Jescar Powerlock: amzn.to/3MJzAkb
👉White Lake County CCS Foam Pad ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
Cleaners:
👉 WSP water spot remover: getundrdog.com/products/water...
👉 Aftermath ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
👉 SuperClean: amzn.to/323A2Fx
👉 303 Vinyl Protectant: www.amazon.com/303-Matte-Fini...
Machines:
👉 Makita Rotary amzn.to/37iJszK
👉 MaxShine M8sv2 ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) maxshineusa.com/store/p/produ...
👉 Maxshine Mini Cordless Polisher: ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) maxshineusa.com/product/cordl...
👉 Maxshine 21mm Throw DA ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) maxshineusa.com/product/rando...
Boat Maintenance Products:
👉 Shift Soap ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/products/shif...
👉 Aftermath ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : shinesupply.com/collections/m...
👉 XL Drying Towels ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : maxshineusa.com/product/extra...
👉 Wash Mitts ( DRAKE15 @ Checkout ) : maxshineusa.com/p.category/mi...
👉 X Soft Boat Brush: amzn.to/3SIyp8u
👉 Wash Pole: amzn.to/46cvxE8
Camera Gear:
- Gopro 9 Used in This Video! amzn.to/39I3wdJ
- Camera Used in All My Videos! amzn.to/2WitD3b
- Microphone Used in All My Videos! amzn.to/37jYAu2
👉 Save 15% On ALL Shine Supply Marine Products & MaxShine Products
with our discount code ( DRAKE15 ) at checkout.
💻 www.shinesupplymarine.com
💻 maxshineusa.com/shop/

[@DrakesDetailing]

💰💰 Save 15% On ALL Shine Supply Marine Products & MaxShine Products with our discount code ( DRAKE15 ) at checkout. 💰💰 💻 www.shinesupplymarine.com 💻 maxshineusa.com/shop/

[@hvlineman5227]

Man I gotta tell ya, I watched a crap ton of your videos, spent damn near $1800 on products, followed your instructions step by step without any shortcuts, and my new/used 2018 Rinker 260 EC literally looks brand new inside and out. I wanted to say thank you. 👊🇺🇸

[@DrakesDetailing]

Heck yea!!! Thank you! 💯💯

[@marcusharrison3141]

Man I’ve shared your very first engine cleaning video with everyone on my pier… that’s just how long I’ve been following you and using your TTPs (Tip, Tactics and Techniques) Thanks

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thank you! 🤘

[@jhonfenelon7409]

Hey Drake, Keep it up, your great work! What pressure washer do you use on these job sites? and where do you get water to do the job.

[@SHINESUPPLY]

Another awesome video Drake! Super informative and packed with great tips!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks bro!

[@brandonthorbahn2405]

Good to see you and local boy did good getting along!

[@DrakesDetailing]

It’s about time huh! 😆 Kindness is a much better way to live life 🤘

[@rickwahrlich6259]

Amazing job. I always learn something from you. My boat looks awesome now after watching your videos!!! Thanks ❤

[@DrakesDetailing]

Great to hear!! 👍🏻🔥🔥😎

[@RaldasDetails]

Always doing amazing work brother! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@DrakesDetailing]

Appreciate it!

[@jeffeisenzapf4131]

All tips are so true thanks Drake!

[@DrakesDetailing]

My pleasure!

[@briano7406]

I started my boat detailing business in Pittsburgh Pa by watching and learning from your videos. You are a living legend! Your videos are real life and that's what makes you stand out. Keep up the good work, it must feel great to be helping so so many people out. I can't keep up with all the work I have and boat owners know if they have me detailing their boat it's gonna turn out the best it possibly can and I ultimately have you to blame lol....I mean thank. Thank you so so much for being so willing to share your top notch knowledge and experience. Oh I also remember in a video you made a while back that when you said something like this.... "I'm not trying to be better than the next guy, I'm trying to be better than myself day after day". I think about that comment everyday that I can and I can't agree with you more. Thanks again Drake you are da man! And I love these F'n boats too lol

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks so much for taking the time for that nice comment!! You are most welcome, and I cannot thank you enough for watching and following along! 😎😎

[@JasonBierley]

Crushing it. Very informative video. Enjoyed it all and motivated me to get working on my 28 Grady. Thank you.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Right on! Thanks man!

[@phantom197]

Thanks for all the knowledge your dropping God Bless you

[@DrakesDetailing]

My pleasure

Great Job guys .. I am for 10 years in this business and still You videos bring some value for me

[@DrakesDetailing]

Great to hear that I’m making a difference! Thanks so much!

[@davestewart9146]

I’m always learning, thank you Sir for the video 👍😁

[@DrakesDetailing]

So nice of you!! Thanks for watching 🔥

[@user-rz3ro9lu6o]

Drake, thanks so much for this. I have just started restoration on my 45' SeaRay fly. Compound, polish 2x and then sealant. I have just about finished the compound step on one side below the rub rail only, and I really appreciated your comments about not extending your arms. While I was getting great results on my compounding, I was extending my arms too much and getting what I call "fly-outs". I'll keep my arms in now and move the body. Also, I will be ditching the extended handle off of my Dewalt rotary, and just grip the motor end (like what I see you doing) for hopefully a bit more control. Finally, I am located in Canada and I could not find any shine supply distribution up here. And exchange rate + import duties would have been killer for sure. I had already found a Starke distribution point, so am using their products, (so a bit slower compound speeds). Thanks again,

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks for the comment! That’s awesome! No worries at all, you need to do what you gotta do 😎

[@internalbeats6870]

We appreciate you too brother. God bless!!

[@DrakesDetailing]

I appreciate that! Same to you🔥

[@Squeegeeclean]

Best one yet! Great job Drake. I couldn’t find the link to the millie 21mm throw in the description? Great detail and awesome inspiration!!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks for your kind words! Here’s the rupes link: www.rupes.com/product/lk900e/

[@MarshTh]

Very thorough video bud great job!! Also… on removing stickers, try using a steamer works great!!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks for the tip!

[@BBMarineLLC-mf2mp]

Hey Drake thanks for keeping em coming! Yo on the two step non skid effort. Both wool pad or second cut with a yellow pad?

[@DrakesDetailing]

That’s correct! Sometimes using the same compound with two different pads will help get the effect of using a heavier compound, and you don’t want to use too thick of a compound in the nonskid, or just gets caked up. That’s why we use a sinner less heavy cut compound, with two different pads. The first pad makes that same compound go heavier, and the second pad makes that same compound go lighter.

[@xxBowman1]

You’re the best man. So informative. For someone who is thinking about starting up a seasonal detailing business for the first time. Do you recommend staying under a certain boat footage if working solo? I have past experience in boat detailing but have never done the job by myself and also haven’t been in the business in years. Any advice is appreciated man. Keep up the awesome content.

[@DrakesDetailing]

I appreciate that! As far as size, I really wouldn’t try to tackle much more than a 45 foot boat by yourself, even 45 can see a little daunting for a first time by themselves

[@PolishedMobileDetailing503]

Man that trailer is sweet !

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks, we love it!!!!

[@PolishedMobileDetailing503]

@@DrakesDetailingpatiently waiting for the next video 😅

[@DrakesDetailing]

We will have one coming out next week! I have been in Nepal for the last 15 days! 💯

[@davidhigh5441]

Love all the information you give in all of your videos! I have one question for you. I live in the Chicagoland area and want to know what’s the best outside temperature to do your buffing and polishing? Can I polish below 60° outside?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey bro! Thanks! Anything below 45-50ish would be tougher for the compound to work properly, you can still do it, but you’ll just be working a lot harder haha

[@davefredericks8223]

Been watching your videos for years. Learned a lot. I have a 31ft Tiara and have compounded, polished, and ceramic coated it. The non-skid on a Tiara is pretty sharp. I haven't tried to detail it. Do you detail nonskid like what Tiaras' have ?Seems to me it will chew up the pads ! Let me know your thoughts.

[@DrakesDetailing]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5PJmWurmLhkgZo Yes, I have! This is exactly how you do it😎

[@bchaffer79]

that trailer is sweet

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks 💯😎👍🏻

[@noelgonzalez7064]

Hey Drake, just want to thank you for your videos. I’ve been detailing my personal 2004 21.2 Rinker captiva since the day I purchased it from the dealer. My wife of 38 years and I just purchased a 2006 Formula 37 pc last year and I have been watching your videos to help us in getting both are boats looking like showroom condition. I have purchased some of your products through shine supply which I received yesterday and am looking forward to using them. I’m happy to tell you that just from watching your videos I have picked up some really good techniques on polishing the proper way. Trusting the process is absolutely the standard. Oh by the way, I really appreciate your story. My 1 question: when your cutting on non skid and you getting around your bow rail anchor points and any metal that you come in contact with transfers on to the gel coat and non skid. What do you do with that to keep from happening? Thanks for all you do for boat owners and Detailers. God bless you and your crew.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey bro! Thanks so much for following and for your support! It means a lot to us! It really helps a few tape off your metal cleats, stanchions, etc. so that the world does not make contact with the metal and transfer the black marks into the gelcoat.

[@noelgonzalez7064]

Copy that sir thanks.

[@Fleazy912]

That rupes yellow wool is 🔥 it’s the only wool pad I run on vehicles great for one step

[@DrakesDetailing]

They are great pads!

[@jasontaggart6252]

What’s the best sun glasses for your job tint wise so you can see swirls and finish between buffs working in the bright sun

[@DrakesDetailing]

In my opinion, Costa sunglasses are the best shades you can wear around the boat 😎 For on the water purposes, and for detailing purposes

[@BenThompson-gm8nh]

Drake I have been watching your videos for the last few months trying to get caught up on. It has helped me tremendously on my ability to detail my boat! Thank you! By the way where do you get your buffer pads at?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey Man! I love my lake country pads. You can find most of them here: shinesupply.com/collections/pads-applicators

[@BenThompson-gm8nh]

@@DrakesDetailing Thank you

[@jehines3]

Suggestion for a detail that requires more than a light polish. Get a roll of Butyl tape and use a few gun and pull the snaps and clips. All the coming pad clips and snaps in this detail kill production time and pads. Pulling things like speakers, assembly covers and other non bedded and backing plated items really speeds the job.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks for the tip!

[@WeekleyRehabFishingCharters]

Great work as always, will you still use starke wax ? Do you feel ceramic coating on a commercial charter boat would last better than wax?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes, absolutely it would last longer- given its installed correctly, and maintained properly. I don’t really use star products anymore, every once in a blue moon. I use mainly shine supply products now.

[@frozenjam7980]

Long time viewer, love all the experience and knowledge you bring!! 🙏 I got a question for ya I have a boat that is 2 years old, was professionally ceram coated in factory. Last year, being under warranty the dealership stored and waxed the boat-which waxing part was never actually done 😠 My question to you is, do you recommend I wash with a ph balanced soap before detailing and polishing with the powerlock+ or should I do a dilution of dawn soap?

[@frozenjam7980]

Boat turned out amazing mate!! Thanks again for what you do!!🥂

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey bro! You can use any degreaser to wash a boat before compounding or polishing. Dawn dish detergent is most common. 😎

[@tylerdavid1626]

🔥🔥

[@DrakesDetailing]

😎🔥

[@romanrykun6967]

Great video like always. when you polish with wake up do you wash your boat with soap before applying jescar? Thank you

[@DrakesDetailing]

Sometimes yes I do, and other times I’ll just do a simple alcohol wipe before we apply the sealant.

[@romanrykun6967]

@@DrakesDetailing Thank you

[@rosendocontreras262]

What type of alcohol do you use, thanks

[@brandonthorbahn2405]

I pad the upper corners of my scaffolding setup to prevent gouges when moving to the next spot.

[@DrakesDetailing]

We normally do as well! Good tip

[@LugnutsCarCare]

Im interested in getting the pad cleaning spur, do you have a link for that by chance?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey bro! I don’t currently have a direct link for the pad cleaning spray right this second, but here’s an Amazon link where you can buy one😎 www.amazon.com/TCP-Global-Polishing-Cleaning-Revitalizing/dp/B002EBIRGM/ref=asc_df_B002EBIRGM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312280085431&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11864650558899669140&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1023626&hvtargid=pla-571251773738&psc=1&mcid=e54d8677495d3467a7dcd615712cb34c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1vmRnNfUhQMVY01HAR1wRAYwEAQYAyABEgIpgPD_BwE

[@Caseydew96]

Are you including the non skid steps in you standard pricing is that an additional X amount per step?

[@DrakesDetailing]

If it’s on the topside, yes.

[@kipssosinvestmentpropertie614]

Good morning. Quick question. Ran out of Shift soap. My order should be here Monday. Have a detail tomorrow on Saturday. You recommend anything from the parts house? Thank you in advance.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey bro! Please see my response on Instagram 😎.

[@kipssosinvestmentpropertie614]

Autozone/Orielys /NapA or Walmart?

[@nickbax9571]

Hey drake how much do you add to the price if you have to cut and polish the haul off the water on a floating dock?

[@DrakesDetailing]

I’d as at least around another $5 per foot for the time and hassle.

[@holdenbaldassi3697]

Any tips for rotator cuff/ligament pain while buffing? Obviously there’s basic tiredness and muscle soreness after a day buffing but this is different. Am I just over working myself? I notice it mostly when I’m buffing out my buddies sanding scratches or pigtails for extended periods of time😂. I use my forearms and body as much as I can but as you know you have to push into with your shoulders sometimes. Been buffing boats for 4 years now never had a problem until just now. I’m only 24.

[@brandonthorbahn2405]

It gets so much worse, I’ve been professionally detailing for 10+ years and unfortunately the shoulder pain gets very bad. Laying in bed at night my shoulders ache and feel terrible when raising over my head. Try and stretch before starting!

[@holdenbaldassi3697]

@@brandonthorbahn2405darn. I might try to teach myself how to buff with both arms then.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey there! No rotator cuff pain for me yet, but I can only imagine how bad it’s coming one day lol!!

[@jasonpopplewell]

So abrasive wise is the Wake Up just a step above cleaner wax?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Think of wake up as a super super fine compound/polish. Cleaner, waxes are on their own level- I’m not a huge fan of them, in my opinion it’s counterintuitive that it has small amounts of grit to clean and remove small swirls and protect in the same material.

[@jasonpopplewell]

@@DrakesDetailing thank you. You'd hate to walk any of the docks here. Everybody thinks the blue bottle maguires marine cleaner wax is the best invention ever. I'd much rather use you're method in an old video where instead of cleaner wax use normal wax with a more aggressive pad on the DA

[@paulbrock4503]

Can u just do the heavy cut and chop top and then the wake up for the final?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Yes

[@gungnir722]

I bought a bass boat that someone sprayed with automotive clearcoat and it's half flaked off, the gelcoat is oxidized where it's gone. any thoughts on the best way to remove the rest of the clearcoat?

[@DrakesDetailing]

At this point, probably sanding. Seems 1000 grit sandpaper, then 2000 and see if it gets the rest off.

[@hoineenietjij3331]

Hey, currently boat detailing is my full time work now, but I have a question regarding safety. Is it wise to use a mask when buffing a boat? There is stil some gellcoat that you are removing so possible small things you inhale. What is your opinion on this?

[@DrakesDetailing]

It’s definitely not a bad idea, all the dust from the compound, and the gel coat is definitely not good for your lungs. That being said, most people never do it ha ha.

[@jeffeisenzapf4131]

What’s the going rates to buff and perfect nonskid?

[@DrakesDetailing]

I’d do around $20 per square foot if the job requires you to do the non-skid only

[@scottohms2799]

I have a black hull just needed a medium compound with rotary with the lake country low lint wool, still a little hazzy, I have shine supply classic polish, sonax perfect finish,lake Country yellow medium, HDO orange, rupes yellow and also a shine supply 15mm. What would you suggest to get a better than factory mirror finish?

[@dudes3691]

Are you comfortable with wetsanding? If it’s real light oxidation and the medium cut helps it but it’s still not looking how you want I would try wetsanding 1000 then 2000 then follow up with your white wool and after the orange pad on a forced rotation with your go to diminishing polish and finish up with Jescar ultra lock.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Hey man ! My question is, are you comfortable sanding? If you want an absolute mirror finish , I would recommend sanding the boat before these steps… Buff with shine supply heavy cut with a rotary and a white wool pad Then, switch to a yellow wool pad with chop top on the rotary Then, switch over to shine supply, wake up with a force rotation machine in an orange lake country force rotation pad Then seal her up with either Block ceramic coating, if you’d like to go to the ceramic route, or if you just want to do a standard polymer sealant for protection, I would do just car power lock.

[@scottohms2799]

@@DrakesDetailing my question is, is there anything other than wake up ? for a final swirl/haze removal that would produce a killer gloss?? I'm not really sold on imparting any sio2/primer prior to a Nasiol zr53 coating, just being anal about proper adhesion.

[@travisoneal3693]

So with Shine Supply fading out the boat line of products, what will you recommend instead of Chop Top and Heavy Cut?

[@DrakesDetailing]

Those will always remain in the loop, some different stuff will just come into the mix. 😉

[@travisoneal3693]

@@DrakesDetailing just curious they said marine products so figured you’d have an idea.

[@brandonthorbahn2405]

Gradys can be difficult to detail, the gel doesn’t always shine like you hope. Not as bad as a carvers though. Sea rays are the easiest. Not sure what they use in there gel but it really shines with minimal effort.

[@DrakesDetailing]

Amen to that! All of them are sooo different!

[@CaliforniaCasey]

🏆

[@DrakesDetailing]

🔥🔥😎💎

[@Innes4874]

What do you use to get spider poop off a boat

[@DrakesDetailing]

If it’s waxed, I would use a spray detailer, such as punch it from shine supply, or if it’s unwaxed, and you’re just getting ready to buff it I would remove it with some sort of degreaser.

[@timgoos9389]

You don’t use double sided wool pads anymore? I have a hard time with double sided yellow medium pad running flat, wants to skip around.

[@DrakesDetailing]

I still use them intermediately, you definitely need to run the double sided pads more on an angle, so that it won’t skip around as much 💯

[@timgoos9389]

@@DrakesDetailing i gotcha! thank you ill have to get me some of the single sided ones and try those out too.

[@DrakesDetailing]

For sure! They both have their places. I like running the double sided ones on angles, and in and out of stainless fittings. The flat ones are good if you were just doing a long-haul side and don’t have to worry about hitting anything else.

[@timgoos9389]

@@DrakesDetailing What about the thickness? 1.25 cuts more correct? I've always used double sided 8" x 1.5". Thank you brother, much appreciated. 🤙

[@yanielbaez3026]

Do you train or have in person classes?

[@DrakesDetailing]

I offer personal 1 on 1 5 day training. Feel free to DM me on Instagram or Facebook for more info!

[@user-in3de5oq5x]

Awesome, I like you because you are an entrepreneur. In your videos I have seen how you have been growing. I'm from Michigan and I'm moving to Florida in October. I would love to work with you for a month to practice. Then I'm going to open my own job, detailing to start, but I'm leaning towards fiberglass and gel coat repairs, then when I have the money I want to rebuild valuable boats.

[@Delton6]

We need more Bryce!

[@DrakesDetailing]

Noted! Haha

[@deathnsd6953]

DON'T wear a watch or rings when cleaning/detailing your boat... you'll likely scratch the gelcoat , Isinglass etc. and ALWAYS use eye protection when using rotary tools/buffing( God forbid you hit a loose snap etc. and loose an eye)

[@DrakesDetailing]

💯

[@mattlord2906]

Never, as a straight male, say, "You should have given me the tip"

[@DrakesDetailing]

🤘😂

[@studdboyz75]

Thanks for taking the time to make these! Question - do you hit the rub rail or avoid it? Or should I tape it off completely?

[@DrakesDetailing]

In my opinion, there’s no reason to tape off the rub rail, except if it’s black rubber on the sides of it. If it’s black rubber, then definitely tape it off as white compound contain it, and it can be very hard to get off.

[@Killer-bm9gu]

Dude I’d love too move to Florida too work with you ⚡️🙏🏻 I’m from Wilmington NC

[@DrakesDetailing]

Thanks haha