What Is The Top Wax for My Gelcoat Boat
This article will focus on boat waxes that can be used to gelcoat fiberglass boats. Boat owners are always on the lookout for ways to improve their boat's appearance and prolong its life. Waxing is an excellent way to achieve this! To determine which wax is the best for you, first identify what kind of boat you have. Because gelcoat fiberglass boats are made from materials that certain chemicals in waxes and sealants may not be able to protect or damage, different waxes are required.
How to choose a boat wax
You don't need car wax to protect your boat.
Many people assume that boat and car care are the same. They think the same products will work on their boat as they do on their Mustangs or Prius. While this might hold true for certain surfaces, it is not the case for gelcoat fiberglass boats. You need to use wax that has been specifically formulated for the purpose, as the gelcoat material on your boat will be very different from your car's.
What exactly is gelcoat?
Gelcoat is the top coating of material used to build boat decks and hulls. Fiberglass hulls are used to build our boats. Fiberglass is made up of fiberglass cloth and a strong, two-part resin. This creates a solid foundation for your boat, while gelcoat provides the top layer.
Gelcoat, unlike the clear coat finish on your car's exterior, is porous and can oxidize easily in the elements. This is why fiberglass boats that have been neglected are often dull and flat.
What you should do to wax your boat
Gelcoat must be protected against the damage that boats take from the elements. All elements take their toll, including sun, wind, and water. Your boat needs to be waxed just like your Porsche or Prius. However, it is made of very different materials so it requires a different wax. Gelcoat boats (and recreational vehicles too) share more similarities with your bathtub or shower stall because they use the same molding process and materials. Your bathtub is not exposed to the elements as your boat.
What is the difference between wax & sealant?
Yes, it is possible to make a distinction.
Products made from natural wax ingredients, such as carnauba wax, will be called "wax." They are available in many forms: pastes, liquids and sprays. Any product made from synthetic ingredients will be called a sealant. If you've ever been to a boating store, you know there are many products that include both natural wax and synthetic ingredients. The manufacturer can call them "wax" (or "sealant") depending on their intended use.
One thing you should know about your gelcoat boat
One thing is important: Your gelcoat fiberglass boat will oxidize very quickly. First, polish your gelcoat boat to remove any oxidation. Then seal it to prevent further oxidation. Congratulations if your boat is new. You don't need to apply wax or sealant.
How to wax your boat
STEP 1: WASHER THE BOAT
Regular washing is essential to maintain the gelcoat's beauty. The surface is cleaned by washing. These contaminants can stick to your boat's glossy surface and cause damage if they are not removed.
Do not use dishwashing detergents, or any other harsh household cleaners. They will strip your wax protection, and you'll be left with more work.
STEP 2 - THOROUGH CLEAN
Washing removes surface contaminants, but thorough cleaning will prepare the surface for future use. It will also remove surface defects and bonded contamination. You can divide them into two categories: below-surface contaminants or surface defects. Tree sap mist, bugs and bird droppings are examples of above-surface contaminants. Below-surface defects can include swirls, scratches, water spot etching and, of course, our enemy, oxygenation.
STEP 3: POLISH
Polishing is done when the gelcoat surface has been smoothened and free from defects. It restores gloss to the gelcoat by conditioning it and restoring its natural oils.
STEP 4 - ADD SOME PROTECTION
Protective coatings are the best way to maintain your finish's beauty for a long time. You should look for products that provide a protective layer that preserves the shine you achieved when polishing. Protectant prevents environmental elements such as droppings and bugs from getting into direct contact with the gelcoat.
STEP 5: MAINTAIN FINISH
It will be easier to care for your boat and RV more often. You can prevent contaminants from adhering to the gelcoat or damaging it by regularly cleaning them out.
A product should be able to safely remove contaminants, without removing wax protection. This will keep your boat looking shiny and beautiful every day.
Which wax is the best?
We stated at the beginning that we would tell you which wax is best for gelcoat fiberglass boats. If you have read this far, then you will know that the wax you choose depends on how clean and polished your boat needs to be.
Boating Magazine conducted a thorough evaluation of various products to provide a brand-by–brand comparison. You can find it here.
We conducted our own survey that was decidedly not scientific. We walked around the office asking our most experienced boaters (with between 40 and 50 years of experience) and they had the most success with Meguiars line of marine products.
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