A good wax

[Paul H]

I was wondering if any of you have a wax that you use and swear by...if so, why? My boat was painted 2 years ago, and I would like to get some of the shine back. I was also planning on painting the upper deck surfaces. I've recently noticed some staining that proving very difficult to get rid of, and some of the areas on the decks are looking a little "chaulky".Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Cheers,

 

[Wayne12069]

good cleaner and wax

I have had great success with Collinite 920 fiberglass cleaner and ColliniteFleetwax 885. The wax is a paste wax which requires a bit of effort, but it is worth it. Available on e-bay.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

be careful what you use with paint

Most painted surfaces require a different type "wax" than gelcoat. For example, using a typical wax on Awlgrip paint will quickly destroy the hard surface protective layer of the paint. If you want to wax your painted surface(s), make sure you use what is compatible with it, not just a good wax not designed for paint.

 

[BobD17833]

compound-buff -wax

Paul,regarding Wax - Collonite Fleet wax 885 period, end of story.To get your hull finish restored there are a series of steps involved depending on how bad the fade is.Generally you start with a light compound, then a polish such as Buff Magic, then you seal the finish with two coats of 885. The finish will shine the entire season and water will bead up.The following season compound should not be necessary.Get yourself a orbital polished like a Porter Cable and some foam pads.BobD

 

[Maine Sail]

I second..

For BC I second Collinite Fleet Paste Wax #885. It's Great stuff! The secret to application and removal is to wet your application pad, or very lightly mist the surface of the hull, where you're working, with a mist bottle of water, and then wipe it off hull with a microfiber rag, not terry cloth, but don't let it sit on the hull too long...I think Fleet #885 goes on and off as easily as any other product if you apply it and remove it using the correct method..There is however one BIG "but" to the above recommendation though. You say your hull was painted but do not say with what. If it was painted with Awlgrip the ONLY product to use is Awl-Care!! Do not use products other than what Awgrip recommends on an Awlgrip finish and NEVER buff Awlgrip!!!!Imron and Awlcraft 2000 can CAREFULLY be buffed but Awlgrip can not and should NOT be buffed!

 

[Paul H]

Maine...I believe that the hull was painted

with Interlux...I can't be certain as I can't get hold of the PO...but I found a can of Interlux in one of the lockers quite some time ago. What about the chaulky looking gelcoat on the deck surfaces...is this something that can be polished out? or does it need to be re-painted.Collinite Fleet #885, I'm assuming, can be picked up at any chandlery? I already have the orbital buffer etc....

 

[Tim R.]

Paul

Interlux what? Once you find out, go to www.yachtpaint.com and look up the care instructions or call their tech support. They are very helpful.As for the buffer, do not use it to apply the Collinite. It will burn the wax. And yes, you should be able to buy it at any chandlery and probably also on this site. Apply by hand, remove by hand.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Paul

what type Interlux? - it makes a difference how you treat it.You can certainly buff the gel to remove chalk and restore it with the usual stuff others typically recommend

 

[Maine Sail]

If it's a one..

If it's a one part Interlux paint be very careful buffing it. You might try some Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover (tan bottle) and a polishing grade pad not a compounding grade pad. Once you've brought the shine back then apply the Collinite.As for decks DO NOT apply Collinite to the decks as you could kill your self. If they are that faded a wet sanding followed by 3M Super Duty rubbing compound (with a compound grade pad) followed by 3M Finesse It II (with a polish grade pad) should bring the shine back. Painting the decks is best left to a professional using a very durable two part LPU Linear Polyurethane paint such as Awlgrip. Standard one part paints don't hold up well on decks and a good wet sand, compound and polish is all that's usually needed. If you want to add some protection Woody Wax is a decent product that is not slippery when wet..P.S. If it's a two part Interlux paint such as "Perfection" it should not be buffed as it's curing characteristics are very similar to that of Awlgrip though it's slightly less less durable...

 

[Stu Jackson]

Maine Sail's website is accessed through

the link on his signature. Try the link for THE very BEST discussion of waxing I've ever seen.And, like they say, figure out what's ON your boat before you do anything.Use the Collinte on the portions of your boat that aren't painted.

 

[Paul H]

Thanks a million folks...as usual

outstanding advice...I will let you know what I find and how it turns out...Cheers,