What is De-Waxer actually for? And what is it NOT for?

[Carl Wonderful]

I've been getting a lot of conflicting info on De-Waxer and surface prep. I have specifically... Total Boat De-Waxer and surface prep.

When is it the right choice...and when is it the wrong choice?

Are there other products that are similar...or is this a very specific solvent that does just like... one specific thing?

 

[kappykaplan]

Take a look at this for tips for a great buff and wax:

Tips For A Great Buff & Wax

Buff Polish & Wax Try these products (for Gel-Coat only not intended for Awlgrip) The Cliff Note Version: Steps: #1-Clean the hull with an acid base cleaner like FSR, oxalic acid or On & Off to remove rust & tannin staining. (only if necessary) #2-Wet Sand by hand 600 (if real bad)...

forums.sailboatowners.com

 

[Carl Wonderful]

Can anyone give me more info on when to use a de-waxer and surface prep?

Is acetone or denatured alcohol similar to a de-waxer, or is de-waxer its whole own thing?

Thanks!

 

[Davidasailor26]

I can’t find the MSDS for the TotalBoat product, but it’s probably pretty similar to the Pettit Dewaxer, which lists these compounds in its MSDS:

With that mix of chemicals it’s probably fair to say a “dewaxer” product is broader and able to dissolve more kinds of grease, waxes, oils, and other surface contaminants than just acetone or alcohol. @rgranger or @thinwater might be able to go into more detail.

 

[Carl Wonderful]

That was sort of what I was thinking too.

Can anyone give me an example of when they would specifically use a de-waxer?

 

[Davidasailor26]

In your other thread I see you’re planning to paint with Pettit Hydrocoat. The data sheet for that recommendation prepping the painted/sanded surfaces with their brushing thinner, or bare surfaces with their dewaxer. In that thread I recommended not making the surface totally bare, so using the brushing thinner would be their recommendation. Usually I’d go with the manufacturer’s recommendations, but there is lots of overlap between the dewaxer and thinner, so if I had the dewaxer on the shelf I’d probably use that to wipe the surface clean, and be sure to let it dry before painting.

 

[JBP-PA]

I use TotalBoat dewaxer & prep when I'm working on something nice that I want to do a good job on or something that is seriously greasy. It dissolves wax & grease better than acetone and much better than alcohol. It doesn't evaporate as fast as acetone.

I don't use it as a dust wipe between coats as it softens the previous coat too much.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Can anyone give me more info on when to use a de-waxer and surface prep?

Is acetone or denatured alcohol similar to a de-waxer, or is de-waxer its whole own thing?

Thanks!

Acetone can dull gelcoat if used in larger quantities and left on the surface for a while. I assume other solvents would do the same but I havent tried. When used appropriately they can work very well for cleaning

 

[rgranger]

"With that mix of chemicals it’s probably fair to say..." @rgranger or @thinwater might be able to go into more detail.

... that you will be wanting one of these if you use it...

Available at Lowes and Home Depot.