You don’t need to hire a pro to make your boat look like it came straight off the showroom floor. With the right techniques, tools, and products, you can achieve a high-gloss, protected finish that turns heads at the dock.
Here are five expert tips from the detailing pros at Whitby Marine Products to help you get the most out of your boat care routine.
Tip #1: Always Start With a Decontaminated Surface
Before you polish or seal anything, your boat needs to be thoroughly washed and decontaminated. Skipping this step traps contaminants and reduces the effectiveness of polishes or coatings.
Recommended Products:
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Starke Simple Clean – Multipurpose cleaner and degreaser
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Starke Ultra Clean – SiO₂-infused boat soap
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Xanigo Marine Waterless Wash – Great for interior or quick exterior touch-ups
✔ Pro Tip: Use a foam cannon and soft brush to avoid swirl marks when pre-washing.
Tip #2: Choose the Right Compound and Pad Combo
Not all oxidation is created equal. The level of surface damage should guide whether you use a heavy cut compound, medium polish, or finishing polish. Equally important is matching the right buffing pad to the job.
Recommended Combos:
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Heavy Oxidation: Starke Level R + Lake Country White Wool Pad
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Medium Refining: Starke Elevate + Foam Pad
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Final Gloss: Starke Finish R + Money Pad
✔ Pro Tip: Use a rotary polisher for cutting and a DA polisher for finishing.
Tip #3: Don’t Skip the Surface Prep
Even after polishing, the surface needs to be completely clean before applying any coating or sealant. Residues and oils left behind can interfere with bonding.
Recommended Product:
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Starke Surface Prep – Wipes away polish residue and preps for coating adhesion
✔ Pro Tip: Apply in a criss-cross pattern using a clean microfiber towel for full coverage.
Tip #4: Seal the Deal With a Long-Lasting Finish
For protection and shine, apply either a polymer sealant or a ceramic coating, depending on how long you want it to last and how much maintenance you're comfortable with.
Recommended Finishes:
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Hyper Hold Pro – Easy-to-use polymer sealant with up to 6 months of protection
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Liquid Kraken – Graphene ceramic coating for a year or more of hydrophobic protection
✔ Pro Tip: Use a foam applicator pad and avoid direct sunlight during application.
Tip #5: Maintain That Gloss With Routine Rinses
You worked hard for that perfect finish—don’t let it fade. Keep your boat protected between washes by using a spray-on rinse aid after cleaning.
Recommended Product:
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Starke Replenish – Enhances gloss and boosts hydrophobic performance after every rinse
✔ Pro Tip: Apply while the surface is still wet, then rinse again and dry with a microfiber towel.
Final Thoughts
Detailing your boat doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these five expert tips and premium-grade marine products, you can make your boat look professionally detailed—on your own terms.
For more guides, pro tips, and premium detailing bundles, visit the rest of the Whitby Marine Products Blog page or check out our latest Bundles.