I use the 3M? Super Duty Compound, 05954 also. That stuff works great. Paired with 3M Marine Finesse-It II Finishing Material, one pint (product number
09048) will finish it to a mirror finish. I use a buffer made my Milwaukee that is variable speed. Recommended that you keep the rpm down below 1500. I use the 3M Perfect-It Plus foam polishing pad (part number 05738), which is flat. They seem to last a long time and are easier to rinse out.
I was sent this some time ago and it rigs true every time as to a method:
What you need:
1. Electric buffer - 1500 RPM is perfect, but you can use one up to
2500. Do not use one that is 3000.
2. 3M Perfect-It Plus foam polishing pad (part number 05738), which
is flat, and/or the rounded edge pad (part number 05735)
3. 3M Hookit SBS Backup Pad (part number 05717) or a 3M Perfect-It
Backup Pad (part number 05718)
4. 3M Marine Super Duty Rubbing Compound, one pint (part number 09004)
5. 3M Marine Finesse-It II Finishing Material, one pint (part number
09048)
6. Spray bottle with water in it.
You can find the rubbing compound and finishing material at a BoatUS or
some other marine supply place. I got my pads from a autobody supply
house. I think you can order all this stuff on-line if you do a search.
Here's what you do:
1. Wash the boat with soap and water. Dry it off
2. Put the backup pad on the buffer.
3. Center the polishing pad on the backup pad, attaching the velcro
surfaces.
4. Squirt a bead of the rubbing compound on the pad.
5. Smear the rubbing compound around on about a 2'x2' area, without
turning on the buffer.
6. Turn on the buffer and work the rubbing compound, moving the
buffer around constantly. If the compound starts to dry and cake
on the pad, spray some water on the area and continue buffing.
7. When you think you have worked in the compound good enough, move
on to another spot. Repeat this until you finish a major part of
the boat (deck, side, stern, etc.) or do the whole boat.
8. Wipe off dried compound with a terry cloth towel.
9. Rinse out pad or switch to a clean one.
10. Repeat steps 4-8, using the finishing material.
11. Apply your favorite wax. 3M also makes excellent paste or liquid
waxes (part numbers 09030 and 09026).
The boat should look like new now!