I applaud your passion.. I think your review is good apples to apples, solely for oxidation is good. But none of those areas were ready for a polishing with a yellow cotton pad/polish. There were a TON of correction needed. Real world surfaces have more than just oxidation. Add in scratches, acid rain damage, and scuffs. First, use the same compounds with the same wool pad, but done at half the speed (600ish) of the buffer and with slower physical movement of the buff. Second, go back over it at the speed shown, will give you a night/day result... You'd get it closer to polish ready. You 'could' wet sand it with 1200/1500 first, then begin to heavy cut. Don't be afraid to step outside the box. There's a lot of techniques to improve on each step. I've done those for 30yrs. Insight + Practice + experience = better results. I'm not being critical, I'm passing on knowledge. Keep it up!
You might like Malco tru-cut heavy duty or super duty....it's white...water based easy clean up....Im doing a 30 year old 16 footer with a ugly gel coat...
Hey man, thanks for this video. It was super helpful! I don't do a ton of boats, so this kind of content really helps me pick the right product to get the job done right the first time!
@@Burritosarebetterthantacos They blew me away too! I used to be all 3M now I’m all Starke! Great products that work and last. So easy to work with too
Presta products are killer on boats, but the ones shown here were not the preferred products. The blue polish and Cutting creme are 2 of the best in the world. Another killer one is Xtreme Solutions out of New Jersey, they have several depending on if you want a Diminishing abrasive or one that sticks with you Thru your cycle. Depending on the Gelcoat and weather Some of Sonax’s World Renowned products like Cutmax 04-06 which is 4 for gloss and 6 (max) cut, it’s creamy and kills it with a old school shoulder ripper Makita or my Rupes Mille gear drive. dA, you boat detailers need to try the Mille, it’s far superior to the Flex both in ergonomics and Usability. Rupes is on straight fire whether you love them or hate the m. Watch for cordless Ibrid lhr 15, 21 and hopefully the Mille and LHR19 Rotary, if you haven’t tried that, OMFG, your back and arms will love you
You can also email Starke and they will send you a FREE SAMPLE of all products. John the owner is a smart businessman, just wait till you try the Green Marine Sealant, my god it’s nutts
Great job man. Level R is the bomb, John at Starke is the man and Presta That was used needs to be done differently since it’s not a diminishing abrasive. You have to cut slow. Level r is a league if it’s own. Presta Ultra Cutting Creme is more like level R, it’s a diminishing absrasive so it. It’s then finishes down like a polish
I do fiberglass and gelcoat repair for a living and have always used 3m. I've tried Presta and Aqua Buff and thought they were both junk, still have them sitting on a shelf in my shop. I bought a gallon of Level R and now use it in my shop. Haven't tried any of their other products though.
A lot of guys I know use 3M in their repair shops. Starke Finish R definitely changes the game for finishing out gelcoat. Props to you, you’re ahead of the rest!
Would love to see you compare the Starke - Level R to Total Boat’s - Total Buff (their heavy cut). Less expensive and both appear to be diminishing abrasives.
Simon it’s supposed to be the Captains Choice, but these days, John at Starke Yacht is the man to watch. I’ve tried almost all of their products in their free sample pack. Marine sealant is stupid good, the Spray ceramic sio2 is insane, the 3 P one is amazing also, you all gotta try his stuff
Nice video no one’s done one like this comparing the different oxidation Products What speed do you run your buffer at when doing oxidation remover? I’m just curious
Are you from northern ohio by chance? Just noticing your signs made me think of back home around Sandusky Ohio with the Agrigold and GM had a bearing factory there. Knew a couple Kromers too.
@@topdockpro lol hell yea man I grew up in Berlin Heights. Small world. I rebuilt several vehicles out of Kromers junkyard off Bogart. The Sandusky Ford plant sold and I had to transfer to Louisville Kentucky in 2012.
I use the 3M Heavy Cut Compound and then Perfect-it Ex on my boat. What products should I use after this for wax and polish? Do I need to clean oil from compound off after using the 3M Perfect-it? If so, what product do I use to clean oil off?
Yes that’s exactly right. Do your compound and polish and then either wash your boat with dish soap or spray with alcohol to remove oils. Then apply your wax or polymer
Simon, I know this is an old video but I noticed that you did 5 fast passes with 3m and Presta then did 8 slow heavy passes with Starke Level R. The work on each of the 3 wasn’t done equal.
I thought what I did at the time was a fair test. Either way because Starke Level R is a diminishing abrasive compound and the other two are not it would finish better regardless of the amount of passes. Thanks for calling it out!!
So I’m not a genius but for something like heavy cut that claims to cut up to 800 sand scratch which is a pretty noticeable mark but then finish out with a nice gloss almost wax ready on most boats be a SMAT or DAT abrasive? Maybe I’m missing something.
@topdockpro The biggest reason is my main business is automotive detailing ,and presta I buy in bulk and maybe only I have 3 boats per month come into my shop or when on-site. But I do agree that Starke level R is a better product and if I did more boats I would purchase it in bulk .
Yes, only if there is no oxidation. I’ve done it before... but I would recommend you finish it out with a lighter compound / polish. #1 this will remove swirl marks. #2 more shine to your vessel and better bond for the sealant / wax.
No. You'll need to clean the area of the oils left behind by the compound. Only an idiot or a noob would put wax/polish/sealant over oil. You want it to bond to the surface, not the layer of oil left. You would also want to Compound WAY more before calling it good. Following with Perfect-it ex ac would be a good idea but still, clean the area before waxing. Whomever said "yes" get out.
@@LJ-ff5zg I use the 3M Heavy Cut Compound and then Perfect-it Ex on my boat. What products should I use after this for wax and polish? Do I need to clean after using the Perfect-it?
If you had some better light, you wouldn't have left so much ugly in the test spots. I saw nothing that made me think one was better than the other. Compounding is an art.
Add be curios to see how they look after a week or two. I’ve noticed that some of these compounds look fantastic right after application, then oxidation starts to return. Maybe they all do that, idk. But it seems like they are really just masking the oxidation with oils or something rather than actually removing it.
Great observation! You are starting to think like a detailer! That’s true, most of the time compounds cover the oxidation with oils. I always tell my clients, wet sanding is for oxidation, and buffing is for scratches. In this video you watched, after I ran the test for best finishing compound, I sanded the entire boat and did it the right way. Regardless of the process, I find level R to be the best all around compound
You really got to polish after a compound to see how the product line performs. Presta is fantastic, its a heavy cut without diminishing abrasives like the others as you can see the other 2 finish down to a shine.
@@topdockpro I live in San Diego California and I detail boats for a living, QUESTION ❓ Do you know where is the less-expensive place or website to buy this product???? I will definitely like to give it a try...
You should compound/buff till you get a clear surface. I still see dullness and blotchieness in every section you did. I don't get why people are so impressed. It looks like you've just watched someone do this online and tried to copy it but didn't learn how to use a buffer first. Get some lights in that cave before trying show a result, you can't see your own progress if you can't see it.
There's still something to be said for the short amount of cycle time and the end result. Level R truly is a step above the others, coming from someone who also details yachts for a living. Always good to see them side by side, same cycle time etc.
Any compound that has a polish or wax added to it will always shine more than a compound alone after the first step in the process. Definitely not apples to apples comparison in the demonstration. You need to compare straight stand alone compounds to compounds with no waxes or polishes in them. Nice video although.
Not 1 section was buffed correctly and the finish in all 3 sections looked, ass? Do you really recall being "blown away" at the results? I was blown away that you were blown away honestly. Learn to Compound kid.
I applaud your passion..
I think your review is good apples to apples, solely for oxidation is good. But none of those areas were ready for a polishing with a yellow cotton pad/polish. There were a TON of correction needed. Real world surfaces have more than just oxidation. Add in scratches, acid rain damage, and scuffs. First, use the same compounds with the same wool pad, but done at half the speed (600ish) of the buffer and with slower physical movement of the buff. Second, go back over it at the speed shown, will give you a night/day result...
You'd get it closer to polish ready.
You 'could' wet sand it with 1200/1500 first, then begin to heavy cut. Don't be afraid to step outside the box. There's a lot of techniques to improve on each step. I've done those for 30yrs.
Insight + Practice + experience = better results.
I'm not being critical, I'm passing on knowledge. Keep it up!
Thanks for the video. Great content 👍
No problem 👍
Good job bro! Great video!
Thanks for tuning in!
Great video! Starke FTW
Drake reminded me of you and your format, must be flattered
You might like Malco tru-cut heavy duty or super duty....it's white...water based easy clean up....Im doing a 30 year old 16 footer with a ugly gel coat...
Hey man, thanks for this video. It was super helpful! I don't do a ton of boats, so this kind of content really helps me pick the right product to get the job done right the first time!
Awesome! So glad you found this video helpful
Thanks...ordered the Presta system and canceled the order to get the Starke. Results were clear.
You will be so happy you did! Let me know how it goes! I would be excited to hear from you
@@topdockpro Dude. These Starke products are legit. They are so much better than 3m im shocked. Im a believer. My boat looks brand new.
@@Burritosarebetterthantacos They blew me away too! I used to be all 3M now I’m all Starke! Great products that work and last. So easy to work with too
Presta products are killer on boats, but the ones shown here were not the preferred products. The blue polish and Cutting creme are 2 of the best in the world. Another killer one is Xtreme Solutions out of New Jersey, they have several depending on if you want a Diminishing abrasive or one that sticks with you Thru your cycle. Depending on the Gelcoat and weather Some of Sonax’s World Renowned products like Cutmax 04-06 which is 4 for gloss and 6 (max) cut, it’s creamy and kills it with a old school shoulder ripper Makita or my Rupes Mille gear drive. dA, you boat detailers need to try the Mille, it’s far superior to the Flex both in ergonomics and Usability. Rupes is on straight fire whether you love them or hate the m. Watch for cordless Ibrid lhr 15, 21 and hopefully the Mille and LHR19 Rotary, if you haven’t tried that, OMFG, your back and arms will love you
Starke all the way. Thank you. I have it on ordered coming from the 🇺🇸 . Quite pricey but it will do the job I think.
Awesome man! Use my code: TOPDOCK15 to save some money in the future :)
You can also email Starke and they will send you a FREE SAMPLE of all products. John the owner is a smart businessman, just wait till you try the Green Marine Sealant, my god it’s nutts
Great job man. Level R is the bomb, John at Starke is the man and Presta That was used needs to be done differently since it’s not a diminishing abrasive. You have to cut slow. Level r is a league if it’s own. Presta Ultra Cutting Creme is more like level R, it’s a diminishing absrasive so it. It’s then finishes down like a polish
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video
Came here to say that.
I do fiberglass and gelcoat repair for a living and have always used 3m. I've tried Presta and Aqua Buff and thought they were both junk, still have them sitting on a shelf in my shop. I bought a gallon of Level R and now use it in my shop. Haven't tried any of their other products though.
A lot of guys I know use 3M in their repair shops. Starke Finish R definitely changes the game for finishing out gelcoat. Props to you, you’re ahead of the rest!
Thanks for this I have been pulling the hair out of my head trying to figure out what to do
That’s no good! Hope this video helped :)
@@topdockpro greetings from New York City!
Would love to see you compare the Starke - Level R to Total Boat’s - Total Buff (their heavy cut). Less expensive and both appear to be diminishing abrasives.
Interesting, never heard of Total Buff. Thanks for the suggestion
Simon it’s supposed to be the Captains Choice, but these days, John at Starke Yacht is the man to watch. I’ve tried almost all of their products in their free sample pack. Marine sealant is stupid good, the Spray ceramic sio2 is insane, the 3 P one is amazing also, you all gotta try his stuff
Nice video no one’s done one like this comparing the different oxidation Products What speed do you run your buffer at when doing oxidation remover? I’m just curious
Thanks for watching! 1,000 RPM for oxidation removal.
Great comparison! Thx
Thanks for watching!
I switched from Menzerna super heavy cut 300 to Starke Level R. Level R is amazing. There is no other HD cutting compound that can compare.
Thanks for sharing! It’s certainly an amazing compound that stands out when compared to other brands
Great video, but how can you compare two compound cutting products to a compound and polish product.
Are you from northern ohio by chance? Just noticing your signs made me think of back home around Sandusky Ohio with the Agrigold and GM had a bearing factory there. Knew a couple Kromers too.
Yes, I’m originally from Sandusky, OH!
@@topdockpro lol hell yea man I grew up in Berlin Heights. Small world. I rebuilt several vehicles out of Kromers junkyard off Bogart. The Sandusky Ford plant sold and I had to transfer to Louisville Kentucky in 2012.
Perfect timing!! I need to get some compound.
Awesome! Hope this helped
You left out the one-step with 3m which is their Supercut which is before the heavy duty.
Oh dang!
What is your opinion vs Mequiars? I have Mequiars heavy oxidation but havent applied it yet.
In my opinion it sucks. There are much better product lineups out there. Starke Yacht Care, 3M, & Presta
3m SUPER heavy is and will always be the best for cutting oxidation
Try them side by side
I have the same rotary buffer. What pad backer set up you using? Do you a link to share? Thanks for the video
I actually was using a double sided lake country wool pad with an adapter piece attached to the buffer
Hope this helps!
I use the 3M Heavy Cut Compound and then Perfect-it Ex on my boat. What products should I use after this for wax and polish? Do I need to clean oil from compound off after using the 3M Perfect-it? If so, what product do I use to clean oil off?
Yes that’s exactly right. Do your compound and polish and then either wash your boat with dish soap or spray with alcohol to remove oils. Then apply your wax or polymer
@@topdockpro thank you sir! 🙏🏼
Now how do I get that Starke level R to the Netherlands. I can’t find any selling point overhere.
Good question for Starke! Not sure
Presta Ultra Cutting Creme
Simon, I know this is an old video but I noticed that you did 5 fast passes with 3m and Presta then did 8 slow heavy passes with Starke Level R. The work on each of the 3 wasn’t done equal.
I thought what I did at the time was a fair test. Either way because Starke Level R is a diminishing abrasive compound and the other two are not it would finish better regardless of the amount of passes. Thanks for calling it out!!
@@topdockproSimon isn’t 3M heavy cut a diminishing abrasive?
@@jeffmurphy9987 No it’s not
So I’m not a genius but for something like heavy cut that claims to cut up to 800 sand scratch which is a pretty noticeable mark but then finish out with a nice gloss almost wax ready on most boats be a SMAT or DAT abrasive? Maybe I’m missing something.
I like presta myself
Not bad
@topdockpro The biggest reason is my main business is automotive detailing ,and presta I buy in bulk and maybe only I have 3 boats per month come into my shop or when on-site. But I do agree that Starke level R is a better product and if I did more boats I would purchase it in bulk .
Who sells the Starkest R? Can’t find it on Amazon
Marine Detail Supply www.marinedetailsupply.com
They don’t sell on Amazon
Can you wax right after you use the 3m heavy cut compoun ?
Yes, only if there is no oxidation. I’ve done it before... but I would recommend you finish it out with a lighter compound / polish. #1 this will remove swirl marks. #2 more shine to your vessel and better bond for the sealant / wax.
@@topdockpro thanks for the info 👍🙏
No. You'll need to clean the area of the oils left behind by the compound. Only an idiot or a noob would put wax/polish/sealant over oil. You want it to bond to the surface, not the layer of oil left.
You would also want to Compound WAY more before calling it good. Following with Perfect-it ex ac would be a good idea but still, clean the area before waxing.
Whomever said "yes" get out.
@@LJ-ff5zg I use the 3M Heavy Cut Compound and then Perfect-it Ex on my boat. What products should I use after this for wax and polish? Do I need to clean after using the Perfect-it?
If you had some better light, you wouldn't have left so much ugly in the test spots. I saw nothing that made me think one was better than the other.
Compounding is an art.
Aw dang okay!
Can u used it for cars Statke level R?
No! Definitely do not recommend on car paint. It’s very aggressive
@@topdockpro ty
Add be curios to see how they look after a week or two. I’ve noticed that some of these compounds look fantastic right after application, then oxidation starts to return. Maybe they all do that, idk. But it seems like they are really just masking the oxidation with oils or something rather than actually removing it.
Great observation! You are starting to think like a detailer! That’s true, most of the time compounds cover the oxidation with oils. I always tell my clients, wet sanding is for oxidation, and buffing is for scratches. In this video you watched, after I ran the test for best finishing compound, I sanded the entire boat and did it the right way. Regardless of the process, I find level R to be the best all around compound
Some have oils after compounding wipe w alcohol and you will see the oils come off and the oxidation was never removed completely
You really got to polish after a compound to see how the product line performs. Presta is fantastic, its a heavy cut without diminishing abrasives like the others as you can see the other 2 finish down to a shine.
Starke level R saves you a step since it’s breaks down to a polish vs a product like Presta!
Anything better now ?
Not really at the moment. Still at the top
Level R,WON
Yes sir
@@topdockpro
I live in San Diego California and I detail boats for a living,
QUESTION ❓
Do you know where is the less-expensive place or website to buy this product????
I will definitely like to give it a try...
You should compound/buff till you get a clear surface. I still see dullness and blotchieness in every section you did.
I don't get why people are so impressed. It looks like you've just watched someone do this online and tried to copy it but didn't learn how to use a buffer first.
Get some lights in that cave before trying show a result, you can't see your own progress if you can't see it.
There's still something to be said for the short amount of cycle time and the end result. Level R truly is a step above the others, coming from someone who also details yachts for a living. Always good to see them side by side, same cycle time etc.
Great job sir! Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Any compound that has a polish or wax added to it will always shine more than a compound alone after the first step in the process. Definitely not apples to apples comparison in the demonstration. You need to compare straight stand alone compounds to compounds with no waxes or polishes in them. Nice video although.
Great observation!
Which one has wax added?
Why use a wool pad on a heavy cut ?
It’s best pad for cutting out scratches and removing oxidation
@@topdockprothanks for the info 👍🏻
You have compared it with the wrong Presta mate you should use Presta Gel Coat compound not the Super Cut, Gel Coat compound has much better finish.
Maybe another time!
you need 3m super duy
Great compound!
That boat needed to be sanded first. All those spots look terrible.
Great observation! It was sanded after the video!
3m has nothing on level r
Facts!
bias
Not 1 section was buffed correctly and the finish in all 3 sections looked, ass?
Do you really recall being "blown away" at the results? I was blown away that you were blown away honestly.
Learn to Compound kid.
dry sander first
Presta would be best! But you don’t know how to use it as it needs a foam pad with it! You’re not Smart kid 🤣🤣
3M dusty af, i hate using it.
Yes, I agree but it's still a solid compound.
@@topdockpro agree, it gets the job done, i would still stick with it if not for the dust. 😅