Ideal non-skid protection? You choose-we make!

[A.L. ("Jim") Willis Pres of ISLAND GIRL PROD.]

There was a lot of duscussion about a month ago about sealing non-skid surfaces with Future or other kitchen-type products. The idea of the sealant, of course, is to prevent penetration by stains. This is quite apart from cleaning, protection against oxidation & mildew etc. There are weveral good cleaners and I think that our Cleanser/ Conditioners (CLEAR OR SEA GLOW, depending upon color of gekcoat) do a good job at the latter - they are not sealants however:I came up with a few criteria (in order or priority):1. SHOULD NOT BE SLIPPERY - EVEN INCREASE GRIP2. Should seal against stain penetration and be easier to keep clean than "raw" non-skid.3. Should be durable (not having to be toushed up every week), yet easy to remove with appropriate stripper.4. Should not become yellowed (important on white non-skid)5. Should be easy to apply (Spray & wipe?)6. Should not gather dirt and surface stains.7. Should be applicable to all climates8. Should be cost effectiveI am experimenting on my own boat at the moment and will soon have small test samples available for existing customers to try in a "Beta-testing" or "focus grouop" type trial.Any comments? Am I trying to re-invent the wheel? Comments, serious or otherwise are welcomeJim WIllis

 

[Greg Stebbins]

Should have "glow in the dark" alternate product

Well! Think about it before you laugh!

 

[A.L. ("Jim") Willis Pres of ISLAND GIRL PROD.]

Reply to GLOW IN THE DARK

I already have a SEA GLOW product (glows in UV). I do not think that radium in the product is going to go down to well. But perhaps some "glinty" type of additive that would increase grip too and show up with decklight.Of course the ultiimate would be a velcro-like surface with special shoes too!.Has anybody tried Sure Step fron aurora and comared to it to Future?Jim W.

 

[george kornreich]

Sign me up, Beta

Jim,I'd be glad to participate in your beta program when it's ready to roll. I've got the grey non skid, diamond pattern, molded into the gelcoat.I've looking for something like a cleaner-wax which isn't slippery, and I don't know if all waxes are by definition slippery. I'd shy away from an acrylic coating because I think that eventually when it probably will begin to flake, it would be a bear to deal with it down in the grooves of the diamond pattern. What do you think? We keep the boat looking new by frequent waxing all but the nonskid, which is getting dull and spotted (thanks to the birds, etc). Meanwhile, any suggestions wouldbe appreciated.