MARINE DETAILING

INSTRUCTIONS FOR A SHOWROOM FINISH

Step 1. Wash Vessel with Finish First Wash & Conditioner

  1. Add 1 oz. (3 caps) per gallon of water.
  2. Wet entire surface of the vessel with water; wash in sections followed by rinsing with water.
  3. Rinse entire vessel with water to allow any remaining suds to roll off the slick surface that remains.
  4. Immediately dry vessel with a cotton towel, synthetic chamois or compressed air.
  5. For maximum gloss and protection apply Finish First Polish!

Step 2: Prep Vessel’s Surfaces with Finish First Marine Prep™ to Remove Oxidation/Contamination

  1. Wash and dry entire vessel. We recommend using our biodegradable Finish First Wash & Conditioner.
  2. Shake well prior to each application.
  3. Apply by hand with a clean cotton or microfiber towel to a small area; mechanical action using a buffer may be used on low RPM.  Tip:  Two half dollar sized drops will clean approximately 1 sq. foot.
  4. Using light pressure apply the product in a back and forth motion (no circles).  Tip:  Pressure does not matter since this is not an abrasive so just massage it into the surface.
  5. Prior to the product drying, remove the residue with a second cotton or microfiber towel.  Tip:  Finish First Marine Prep only works in its liquid form so do not allow it to dry or it may be more difficult to remove.
  6. Repeat these steps as needed to the entire vessel. Problem spots may require several applications to remove the surface contaminate/oxidation.
  7. Once the surface has been cleaned we recommend using Finish First Marine Polish™ to seal and protect the surface and to maintain a brilliant shine!

Step 3:  Polish, Protect and Seal Vessel’s Painted Surfaces with Finish First Marine Polish

  1. Wash and dry entire vessel. We recommend using our biodegradable Finish First Wash & Conditioner.
  2. If the gel coat/fiberglass is dull, stained, oxidized or if the old wax residue is present the surface should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner. We recommend using Finish First Marine Prep.
  3. If possible, the surface should be cool to the touch before applying Finish First Marine Polish. Tip:  Do Not apply to porous surfaces such as vinyl, rubber, fabrics, etc.
  4. Shake well prior to each application.
  5. Apply approximately 4 drops (size of a dime) to clean cotton cloth or foam applicator pad. This will cover about 2 sq. ft. area. Apply to vessel evenly with a straight back and forth motion (no circles).
  6. Apply polish to one section at a time or to the entire vessels at once (do not worry, it will not harden like a wax). Note:  On older vessels, some oxidized paint may appear on the applicator; this is normal, but change clothes as they become soiled to avoid rubbing the lifted oxidation/grime into the finish.
  7. Finish First Maine Polish will dry to a haze; allow a minimum of a 15-minute dry time to allow for proper curing/bonding. For ultimate results increase the curing time to maximize shine and protection.
  8. Remove Finish First Marine Polish by wiping the surface clean with a clean cotton cloth.
  9. An initial two-coat application is recommended to ensure all the microscopic pores of the gel coat are filled and sealed. Allow a minimum of 60 minutes between coats to allow for proper curing. Additional coats will bond to the previous coat and aid in filling swirl marks and provide a deeper gloss and protection.

Step 4:  Clean Glass Windows and UV Coat Plastic with Finish First Window Finish™

  1. If heavily soiled, we recommend using Finish First Wash & Conditioner to clean the windows.
  2. The surface to be cleaned should be cool to the touch, if possible.
  3. Apply the Window Finish by misting on small areas; wipe off with a 100% cotton towel.
  4. Just before the window or mirror dries completely use a second towel to buff the surface leaving surface so clear it will pop! Water will “sheet” off the window even before it has a chance to dry, eliminating the water spots common on boat windows.

Step 5:  Clean Vinyl Seats and Upholstery with Finish First MPC 421™

  1. Shake well prior to each application.
  2. If possible, do not apply to hot surfaces; this will promote excess evaporation, which could adversely affect product performance.
  3. MPC 421 may be diluted 1:5 with water for maintenance cleaning or at full strength for jobs that require heavy lifting.
  4. For use on cloth, carpet, canvass Bimini tops and upholstery; mist MPC 421 on a pre-dampened surface. Work into the target area with brush or cloth. Rinse clean by blotting with a wet towel and allow to dry.

Step 6:  Protect and Seal Vinyl Seats and Upholstery with Finish First VR 427 Protectant™

  1. Shake well prior to each application.
  2. Clean surface to be treated if heavily soiled or stained; we recommend using Finish First MPC 421 (Multi-purpose Cleaner).
  3. Apply evenly by misting directly onto the surface or into a clean cloth.
  4. Allow VR 427 Protectant to briefly penetrate the surface prior to buffing lightly for maximum gloss and protection. This product blocks 97% of UV rays and is waterproof so it will not run!

Step 7:  For Quick Cleanups to the hull use Finish Fast to Remove Water Spots and Surface Contaminates

  1. Shake well prior to each application.
  2. Clean surface to be treated if heavily soiled.
  3. The surface should be dry.
  4. Apply evenly by misting Finish Fast directly onto the surface covering an approximate two square foot area.
  5. For best results, use two clean dry towels; first, wipe the treated area dry with one towel and then use the second to buff the surface to a brilliant shine.

Download these instructions as a PDF:  Marine Detailing Instructions