wax question

[7lazy77]

I just acquired a "new" older boat & it looks like it has been a few years since the last wax job. Would like to give it a good wax job. I am looking for something with a relatively easy application & would take off the chalky film & give it a good wax. From the positive comments on the 3M Marine wax, would this be a good choice?? Should I do something first to get the chalky film off??

 

[rallyart]

Re: wax question

The oxidation on gel coat comes off easier than on paint so normally a good cleaner wax will do the job. You can use a polish before. If you wax it and there is still some oxidation you can always reapply the cleaner wax which will take of a bit more of that haze.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: wax question

Do not wax your gel ..

Its a fail in the long run...

YD.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: wax question

I have a 2002 Chap that only gets 409 or Fantastic on the white gel coat finish. It buffs with elbow grease & a clean cloth. I use bleach on spider crap. Polishes out nicely with fresh water & a cloth.

 

[cooleyo]

Re: wax question

Do not wax your gel ..

Its a fail in the long run...

YD.

Please elaborate.

 

[moosehead]

Re: wax question

+1 to the 3M Marine products. I used their Restorer Wax with a rotary buffer to take the oxi glaze off of a stubborn black hull (shows everything) followed by the Fineese It applied by hand buffer. A cleaner or finish wax via hand keeps it thereafter for the rest of the season. Once you get past the rotary first step all else goes on and buffs off rather easily.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: wax question

You have to be careful with a rotary buffer. They've got the old style used by many detail shops and body shops, and they're somewhat difficult to use. Many people use D/A buffers (omnidirectional), as they're not apt to leave swirl marks.

AutoGeek.net and Meguiars have great websites on detailing autos, planes and boats. Both are really good reading.

 

[doyall]

Re: wax question

Quote Originally Posted by Yacht Dr. View Post
Do not wax your gel ..

Its a fail in the long run...

YD.

Please elaborate.

I have checking back often to learn what YD thinks. I hope he shares with us.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: wax question

Please elaborate.

Quote Originally Posted by Yacht Dr. View Post
Do not wax your gel ..

Its a fail in the long run...

YD.

I have checking back often to learn what YD thinks. I hope he shares with us.

Sorry guys .. I was off a few days from Iboats with my sons birthday ..

Because gelcoat is porous and wax is so thick .. you really have to be careful when applying wax products ( NOT all are the same ).

I have had better luck buffing out gel properly.

Remember your only adding a few thousandths of an inch of wax.

So the wax is then the "sacrifice" coat. Once the sun burns that off .. do you remove it or put more on ..

I have found most of the times when wax is applied it does more harm then good.

YD.