Waxing a boat

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I have acouple waxing questions for you.<br /><br />a. I heard that a brand new boat you don't really need to wax for the first season. The reason is that wax are used in the molding process. <br /><br />b. Say you should want to wax a new boat, I heard that one should hand wax and not use an orbital. Why? I figure an orbital will make the process go faster assuming your work it lightly. Any thoughts on this? <br /><br />c. Does waxing help reduce staining on the hull for fiberglass surfaces?I'm assuming it does.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Waxing a boat

First off.....I am no paint pro!!<br /><br />A. Never heard that.<br /><br />B. The only reason I can think of not to is because it is easy to ruin your gel coat/paint with an orbital.<br /><br />C. I don't know if it will really help reduce staining because wax does not stay on your boat in the water. It makes it look good while sitting.

 

[Baldguy]

Re: Waxing a boat

Nightvision,<br /><br />I've used an orbital buffer on my boats (and cars)for years and have not had a problem. Makes waxing the boat a snap. <br /><br />Can't see how it would ruin the gelcoat or paint unless you're using some sort of abrasive compound and then you'd have to keep the orbital in one spot for a really long time before damage would be done.<br /><br />I have a white boat with turquoise and blue striping. Never had a problem.

 

[Rip5]

Re: Waxing a boat

waterboy007, errr, I mean Nightvision:<br /><br /><br />Waxing can't hurt any age boat. Better to protect it before it gets old.<br />Use the orbital, just be careful around the stripes/decals.The idea behind wax is to prolong the shine, not to restore it. Don't wait until your boat starts looking dull to wax it. If you keep gelcoat protected with a once or twice a year coat of wax, that new-boat shine will last nearly forever. Use paste wax. Liquid waxes are easier to apply and actually have higher gloss initially, but they do not have the staying power of a good paste.<br /> <br />In a consumer magazine comparison, of the waxes tested the longest lasting were Collinite #885, Meguiar's Professional Paste Wax, 3M Ultra Performance, and West Marine Carnauba. To make this job easier, invest in an electric buffer.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Waxing a boat

The only color that I know of that can not be waxed with a UV protected wax and STILL look great when cleaned and waxed years later, is WHITE. All others fade to varying degrees and speeds. White is my color, with Black trim.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Waxing a boat

The new boat wax you mention is a release wax that is used in the mould so the hull can be seperated from the mould. Here's what I do to maintain a good shiny boat. First give boat a good wash, follow up the a good quality wax remover/cleaner this will ensure that any old wax will be removed along with any stubborn dirt. Then hit it with a boat/RV type polish, the polish will replenish the Gelcoat with oils lost due to UV..The reason gelcoat fades is due to the sun drying it out. The polish will also provide UV protection, once done then pure carnuba wax can be applied and buffed to a shine.. a low speed buffer is fine to use... last but not least the best protection for a boat is to keep it out of the sun when not in use a good quality full cover works just fine. I do the above twice a year with a quick wax in between and My 1990 Blue Wellcraft still shine's like new...

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: Waxing a boat

this is just a suggestion having painting exp.on cars.i think that collinite wax is the best ive seen it stays on easy to apply.iawill never use any wax other than collinite.as far as gel cure im sure the gel coat is cured long ago becuase its sat around a the dealer long enough to cure.i do my boat by hand because i dont like the buffer sliging all that wax around all over the boat a wise investment a roll of cheap plastic to cover your boat and a roll of tape cause that wax is hard to get off cover it good.rember a thin coat of wax is better than a heavy coat.i hope this helps.let me know.

 

[RC]

Re: Waxing a boat

Two things you need to remember:<br /><br />Wax on<br /><br />Wax off<br /><br />

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Waxing a boat

NV,if you have a new boat and it is gelcoat and not paint (which most are)the best you can do for gelcoat is a silicone wax/polish.You have a new finish and the only thing you need to do is keep the moisture replenished so the gelcoat never dries and fades.Any owners manual will direct you to care for the gelcoat with a silicone wax or polish.An orbital polisher is fine for applying or removing the wax.It sure makes the job faster and easier.A coat of wax will ALWAYS make the hull less prone to any staining,especially around the water line.Charlie