Often overlooked on bass boat trailers, shiny diamond plates can make a big difference in the appearance of your boat.

Think about what we let the boat trailer pass through. We constantly dip them in and out of dirty water, ride them on wet or muddy roads, and lean them on poorly maintained boat ramps. After several years of this abuse, your diamond disc will look very annoying. It will turn dark gray and lose its luster completely.

Now I admit that I have owned my boat for 10 years and this weekend is the first time I polished my boat, so I am not preaching. But after I finished it, I was just surprised that my 20-year-old rig looked so much better.

My diamond plate was extremely dirty, so I spent about thirty minutes on each plate. Depending on your situation, how long you need will vary.

Over the years, I have tried many different chrome polishes when trying to clean the toolbox on the truck. They work very well, but it takes a long time and the black residue is difficult to remove, which reduces the gloss.

A friend of mine suggested that I try Pro-Tec Nu-Paint Moisturizer. Although I often use it on my gel coats with great results, it sounds a bit strange to use it on chrome. But I tried it, and to be honest: it works better than any chrome polish I have ever used. Within minutes, it eliminated decades of negligence and oxidation, and left a mirror effect. 

Drill hair polishing pad terry cloth, microfiber cloth or soft cloth ProTech Nu-Paint Moisturizer Drop cloth

I apply Nu-Paint Moisturizer directly on the diamond plate. If yours is as annoying as mine, don't be afraid to apply it freely in the first few rounds. Before you go crazy about the polishing pad, slowly engage your drill bit and spread the product around the diamond plate. This will reduce any slings. 

I think "over-polishing" the diamond plate is really impossible, so I usually polish each part for a minute or two. You will notice a greasy black residue on the diamond disc and wool polishing pad. This means it is working-this is completely normal. 

This is when you really start to differentiate. After a few minutes, turn off the drill and take a clean cloth to wipe off the black residue. If it doesn't look like a mirror the first time it runs, don't be afraid. It will take you a few rounds to see that new diamond plate, especially if your drill is as annoying as mine.

If you feel it is necessary, you can moisten the cloth to help remove the black residue. I do not recommend using anything that contains ammonia because it may oxidize the diamond plate. Keep using good water. 

After three rounds of the above process, I was surprised by the appearance of my trailer. It also makes my entire boat look cleaner because I saw the reflection of my diamond plate on my gel coat for the first time because I own this boat. 

I strongly recommend finding a chair to sit down. The entire trailer may take several hours, and if you keep trying to bend over, you will hurt your back.

Put a rag or old towel on your knees. I stained a pair of pants with the black residue with buffer. My wife is not happy, and yours may not.

Do not use foam polishing pads. When it passes through the jagged edges of the diamond plate, it will be torn into pieces. Wool pads are more durable and inexpensive.