2+1 years
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All Mirka power tools have a standard two-year warranty. Get an additional 1 year of warranty free of charge by registering your tool within 30 days of purchase.
Boat Maintenance
How to Clean a Boat and Restore a Marine Gelcoat Surface
Get ready for the boating season with Mirka’s Polarshine® Marine Cleaning products. The Polarshine Marine Cleaning range offers a complete package for washing, cleaning, finishing and preserving a boat’s gelcoat surface. Combined with other Mirka Polarshine products it is a great solution for keeping your boat looking its best from season to season.
Restore shine on an older gelcoat surface
Protect Your Boat Easily with Polarshine® Marine
Mirka's Polarshine® Marine product range is designed for effortless and effective cleaning of surface stains in boats.
Questions and Answers: Restoring Old Gelcoat Surface on Boats
Why do I need to maintain the gelcoat surface of my boat?
Composite materials, like fibre glass, having an exterior layer of gelcoat are used to make boats. The gelcoat surfaces are made to be long-lasting, with resistance to UV damage and hydrolysis. And it's not just about how the surface looks when it's restored. Fixing cracked surfaces will also protect the boat from salt, filth, mould, and excessive moisture.
Can you restore gelcoat surface on a boat?
Yes, you can, by regularly waxing the gelcoat surface you can prolong the lifetime of the gelcoat on your boat for 15 years or more. Keep your boat looking great for a longer time by using quality products.
What is oxidation on a gelcoat surface on a boat?
If the surface on a boat is not maintained properly, it gets a chalky, porous appearance. The main cause of oxidation are UV rays which slowly break down the surface and damage unprotected gelcoat.
I recommend Mirka’s Polarshine marine products to anyone who really wants to take care of their boat. The result is amazing, 42-year-old Emma looks new again. I was surprised by the ease of work.
Kristoffer Pietikäinen, Boat owner, Finland
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A better choice for you and the environment
Water-Based Polishes
All polishes that Mirka produces are water-based and produced in Finland. There are many benefits of choosing a water-based polishing compound.
- Effective permanent removal of scratches - Water-based compounds remove scratches permanently. Solvent-based compounds can lose gloss after cleaning the surface with a degreaser and in some cases, they may only temporarily hide the scratches.
- Safer for the operator - No hazardous chemicals
- Sustainable - Water-based polishes are better for the environment and do not contain benzene.
Save your health, time, and money
Sanding Without Dust
Do you get covered in dust when sanding? Try the benefits of Mirka's pioneering sanding solutions and see how a dust-free working environment can boost your business.
Benefits from dust-free sanding
Healthier working environment – Stop dust from getting into your lungs
Time-saving – No cleaning after sanding and clean abrasives cut better
Money-saving – No clogging lets you sand longer with the same abrasive
High-quality finish – Thanks to a finer scratch pattern
Top Tools for Yacht Maintenance and Surface Finishing
Maintaining a yacht’s surface and ensuring it stays in top condition can be a time-consuming and challenging task. From dealing with scratches to preserving the aesthetic appeal of gel coats, the process requires precision, skill, and the right equipment.
Without the proper tools, it can be difficult to achieve the quality finish that looks great and ensures long-lasting results.
The use of inadequate or outdated tools can lead to inefficient work, increased costs, and a compromised surface finish. To avoid these issues, professionals in the marine industry need access to tools that provide superior performance, reduce labor time, and ensure the highest standards of quality in every task.
In this article, we will explore the top tools essential for yacht maintenance and surface finishing. By choosing the right tools for the job, you can improve efficiency, enhance safety, and achieve a flawless finish that will keep your yacht looking pristine.
Benefits of Using the Right Tools for Yacht Maintenance and Surface Finishing
Using the right tools for yacht maintenance and surface finishing ensures that the job is done efficiently and to the highest standard. Professional tools help reduce time spent on each task, which allows for more projects to be completed in less time, improving overall productivity.
The quality of the finish is directly impacted by the tools you use. Precision tools create smoother, more durable surfaces, enhancing both the appearance and longevity of the yacht. This not only results in a better-looking vessel but also reduces the need for frequent maintenance, saving costs in the long run.
Additionally, the right tools enhance safety on the job. Tools designed for specific tasks reduce operator fatigue and minimize the risk of injury, creating a safer working environment for your team.
1. Mirka® LEROS – Random Orbital Wall & Ceiling Sander
The Mirka® LEROS is a versatile random orbital sander designed for large surface areas. It is ideal for sanding yacht walls, ceilings, and other expansive surfaces.
Its ergonomic design allows for a smooth, dust-free finish, enhancing efficiency and comfort during long sanding sessions.
Features:
- Lightweight and ergonomic for reduced operator fatigue during prolonged use.
- Flexible sanding head (180° rotation) for easy handling on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
- Compatible with Mirka’s dust-free sanding system, keeping the workspace clean and safe.
- 5mm random orbital movement ensures an even and smooth finish on large areas.
- Excellent for sanding wood, composite, and gel coat surfaces commonly found in yachts.
The Mirka® LEROS is a reliable choice for professionals looking for a high-performance tool for yacht maintenance. Its ability to provide consistent, high-quality finishes on large surfaces makes it an essential tool for any yacht finishing job.
2. Mirka® DEROS – Electric Sander
The Mirka® DEROS is an award-winning electric random orbital sander with a brushless motor. It is well-suited for various surface finishing applications, including those found in yacht maintenance.
Its compact design, combined with powerful performance, ensures efficient sanding even in tighter spaces.
Features:
- Brushless motor for extended tool life and minimal maintenance.
- Compact and lightweight, providing comfort and control during use.
- Bluetooth® connectivity for vibration monitoring via the myMirka app, enhancing ergonomics.
- High performance for fast, effective sanding of boat surfaces and other hard-to-reach areas.
- Dust-free sanding system for a cleaner work environment and healthier conditions.
When working on yachts, the Mirka® DEROS ensures precision and smooth finishes on smaller, intricate areas. Its advanced features make it a smart addition to any marine surface finishing project.
3. Mirka® LEROS-S – Short Orbital Sander
The Mirka® LEROS-S is a compact and powerful short orbital sander designed for sanding in confined spaces.
It is ideal for yacht maintenance, especially when working in tight areas such as corners and smaller panels. This tool helps maintain high efficiency and quality even in restricted workspaces.
Features:
- Short 9-inch sanding head for easier access to confined spaces like bathrooms or under decks.
- Two grip points for improved control and stability while sanding.
- Ergonomic design for minimal strain during use in small areas.
- Dust-free sanding system for a cleaner and safer workspace.
- Compatible with Mirka’s wide range of abrasives, making it adaptable to various yacht surfaces.
The Mirka® LEROS-S is an essential tool for professionals who need precision in tight spaces. Its ability to deliver high-quality finishes in confined areas makes it a must-have for yacht maintenance.
4. Polarshine® 45 Polishing Compound
Polarshine® 45 is a coarse and fast-cutting polishing compound designed for demanding applications in yacht maintenance. It effectively removes sanding scratches and achieves a deep gloss finish on gel coat surfaces.
This product is especially useful in both the production and restoration of yacht surfaces, saving time while ensuring high-quality results.
Features:
- Coarse compound for fast removal of sanding scratches from P600 and finer grits.
- Ideal for one-step polishing of white and light-colored gel coats.
- Fast cutting, saving time, and increasing productivity during surface finishing.
- Water-based and free from hazardous chemicals, making it a safer choice for both the user and the environment.
- Suitable for both production and restoration, providing a lasting gloss finish.
Polarshine® 45 is a practical solution for achieving a smooth, glossy finish on gel coats. Its fast action and efficiency make it a go-to product for any yacht maintenance project, helping you achieve a professional finish in less time.
5. Polarshine® 35 Polishing Compound
Polarshine® 35 is a coarse polishing compound that excels in high-demand industrial and marine applications, such as yacht surface finishing. It quickly produces a high-gloss finish while minimizing the number of sanding steps needed.
Ideal for gel coats, high-gloss lacquers, and composites, Polarshine® 35 helps streamline the polishing process, saving both time and effort.
Features:
- Coarse compound for quick polishing and high surface gloss on marine surfaces.
- Special emulsifying properties that prevent overheating or drying out of the surface.
- Easy-to-use with reduced splashing due to its controlled viscosity.
- Effective for various materials, including gel coats and composites, commonly found on yachts.
- Water-based, reducing harmful chemical exposure and supporting sustainability efforts.
Polarshine® 35 is an excellent choice for yacht professionals looking to achieve a high-gloss finish quickly. Its efficient cutting action and ease of use make it a must-have for polishing gel coats and other marine surfaces.
6. Mirka® Dust Extractors
Mirka® Dust Extractors are essential tools for maintaining a clean and safe working environment during yacht surface finishing.
These high-performance vacuums are designed to work seamlessly with Mirka sanding tools, ensuring that dust is effectively removed from the workspace. This minimizes cleanup time and ensures that sanding surfaces are free from contaminants, improving both safety and efficiency.
Features:
- High-performance filtration system for efficient dust extraction during sanding.
- Compatible with Mirka’s range of sanders, including LEROS, DEROS, and LEROS-S, ensuring a dust-free environment.
- Automatic filter cleaning reduces downtime and minimizes maintenance.
- Low noise levels contribute to a more comfortable working environment.
- Compact and easy to maneuver, designed for simple transport and storage.
Mirka® Dust Extractors are a vital tool for anyone working on yacht maintenance. Their ability to create a dust-free environment enhances safety and sanding efficiency, making them an invaluable addition to any marine surface finishing setup.