Is it OK to use car wax to wax the boat? I just bought some wax at West Marine at it was $15. A can of turtle wax is $3. Anyone know if the turtle wax is OK for boats?
Car Wax
- Thread starter Jared20459
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As you have so aptly noted....
... the difference between "marine grade" wax and auto wax is enormous. In some cases, the difference between "marine grade" products and those that are not is worth it. In other cases, it's just a gouge. I've used auto wax polishes on my boats for years -- particularly those that are pure carnuba -- and have been quite happy with the result.
... the difference between "marine grade" wax and auto wax is enormous. In some cases, the difference between "marine grade" products and those that are not is worth it. In other cases, it's just a gouge. I've used auto wax polishes on my boats for years -- particularly those that are pure carnuba -- and have been quite happy with the result.
Just about any 'carnauba' based wax is good.
The Brazilian Carnauba based waxes are probably the best and longest lasting. Collinite Fleet Wax, etc. The 'secret' for waxing is NOT to use 'detergents' to clean the boat as if the detergent has any 'caustic' content it will 'strip' the wax. I use Maguires "Crystal Clear Car Wash" ... and my Collinite Fleet Wax lasts for many months. For me at least Ive learned not to just smear on and wipe off any wax. Rather, I 'push' the wax into the pores of the gelcoat using a wetted rag or wetted bare/clean hand ... and rub until the wax either transfers completely to my hand or disappears INTO the gel. .... doesnt take much wax to do it this way and you get a much better and longer lasting shine (but you need a highly buffed and clean surface to do this). You might want to search the archives for Maine Sails' methods ... the exact same methods that Ive been using for over 30 years and get GREAT results.
The Brazilian Carnauba based waxes are probably the best and longest lasting. Collinite Fleet Wax, etc. The 'secret' for waxing is NOT to use 'detergents' to clean the boat as if the detergent has any 'caustic' content it will 'strip' the wax. I use Maguires "Crystal Clear Car Wash" ... and my Collinite Fleet Wax lasts for many months. For me at least Ive learned not to just smear on and wipe off any wax. Rather, I 'push' the wax into the pores of the gelcoat using a wetted rag or wetted bare/clean hand ... and rub until the wax either transfers completely to my hand or disappears INTO the gel. .... doesnt take much wax to do it this way and you get a much better and longer lasting shine (but you need a highly buffed and clean surface to do this). You might want to search the archives for Maine Sails' methods ... the exact same methods that Ive been using for over 30 years and get GREAT results.
Sure...
Sure Turtle Wax is ok if you want do all that work and then have it last three weeks..;D Car waxes are like boat waxes in that you generally get what you pay for. The one exception I've found is Nu-Finish about $5.00 but it's still no Carnuba. Nu-Finish is a polymer based product, not a wax based product, relying heavily on "secret" ingredients (read silicone and such) and good Carnuba waxes are just that, wax, they are generally more expensive but worth it. As Rich said Colinite Fleet Wax #885 is one of the favorites, and one, if not the, longest lasting waxes on the market. One rule of thumb is that Polymer based products such as Nu-Finish usually are better performing in a liquid form and wax based products are ALWAYS better performing in a PASTE version... There are only two types of paint protection polymers and real waxes... Rich makes a very good point about boat soaps! The MeGuiar's is great and so is: IMAR Boat Wash - you can buy it through Defender It's your elbow grease.......
Sure Turtle Wax is ok if you want do all that work and then have it last three weeks..;D Car waxes are like boat waxes in that you generally get what you pay for. The one exception I've found is Nu-Finish about $5.00 but it's still no Carnuba. Nu-Finish is a polymer based product, not a wax based product, relying heavily on "secret" ingredients (read silicone and such) and good Carnuba waxes are just that, wax, they are generally more expensive but worth it. As Rich said Colinite Fleet Wax #885 is one of the favorites, and one, if not the, longest lasting waxes on the market. One rule of thumb is that Polymer based products such as Nu-Finish usually are better performing in a liquid form and wax based products are ALWAYS better performing in a PASTE version... There are only two types of paint protection polymers and real waxes... Rich makes a very good point about boat soaps! The MeGuiar's is great and so is: IMAR Boat Wash - you can buy it through Defender It's your elbow grease.......
Mother's
Jared, I have used 3M marine wax and teflon wax. My opinion is that nothing holds up like Mother's Carnuaba Paste Wax. If your figerglass is in good condition, it goes on and wipes off easily. If it is dirty use the carnuaba cleaner/wax and then the pure carnuaba. If you have any chalking you need to address that first. I ues a product called Aqua Buff. After 11 seasons, our boat still shines like new. The carnuaba is the only wax that lasted an entire season. It costs $6-$7 best I can recall and is available just about anywhere. Mike D s/v Serenity 1998 H376
Jared, I have used 3M marine wax and teflon wax. My opinion is that nothing holds up like Mother's Carnuaba Paste Wax. If your figerglass is in good condition, it goes on and wipes off easily. If it is dirty use the carnuaba cleaner/wax and then the pure carnuaba. If you have any chalking you need to address that first. I ues a product called Aqua Buff. After 11 seasons, our boat still shines like new. The carnuaba is the only wax that lasted an entire season. It costs $6-$7 best I can recall and is available just about anywhere. Mike D s/v Serenity 1998 H376
Walmart
Try going to boat section at Walmart and look for 3m marine wax. Cheaper than West Marine.
Try going to boat section at Walmart and look for 3m marine wax. Cheaper than West Marine.
Nu-Finish
I use Nu-Finish each year and it works great. Orange bottle at Wal-mart or other discount stores. Easy to use and leaves a great shine all summer.
I use Nu-Finish each year and it works great. Orange bottle at Wal-mart or other discount stores. Easy to use and leaves a great shine all summer.
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