Used Island Girl two years on my green O Day 27 & it worked well -- lasts a whole season. I hear poli-glow is actually like a clear coat and lasts even longer. Should I switch? Any advice?
- Status
Switch
PoliGlow will give you several seasons of maintenance free shine. I applied PoliGlow 4 years ago and it has held up well. You will need to strip off the Island Girl first, but the Poliglow kit has the stuff to do this (I believe). Generally, you hear that people either love Island Girl or hate it. I have not come accross anyone who has nothing but praise and accolades for PoliGlow. Regards, Ted
PoliGlow will give you several seasons of maintenance free shine. I applied PoliGlow 4 years ago and it has held up well. You will need to strip off the Island Girl first, but the Poliglow kit has the stuff to do this (I believe). Generally, you hear that people either love Island Girl or hate it. I have not come accross anyone who has nothing but praise and accolades for PoliGlow. Regards, Ted
POly Glow
Poly Glow is a great product. It really does take a 'horrible' paint job and turn it into a shiny item. Here in Florida, there is the need for occasional re-application, but it still beats the price of a paint job. I have used it for about 4 yrs. and resisted buying it for MANY years prior due to the cost, but, I was wrong. It is worth 5 times the cost. I am getting ready to use it on a Catalina 30 thet I just bought.
Poly Glow is a great product. It really does take a 'horrible' paint job and turn it into a shiny item. Here in Florida, there is the need for occasional re-application, but it still beats the price of a paint job. I have used it for about 4 yrs. and resisted buying it for MANY years prior due to the cost, but, I was wrong. It is worth 5 times the cost. I am getting ready to use it on a Catalina 30 thet I just bought.
Mixed results
I used Island Girl last season and the cleaning and gelcoat restoration products work great. Their tech support is excellent. The final topcoat I did not like as it was difficult to apply uniformly and seemed to attract water stains and dirt. I understand their topcoat has been corrected and works much better now. I just ordered Poliglow because it seems to be easier to apply and maintain and just about everyone who has used it loves it. Tim R
I used Island Girl last season and the cleaning and gelcoat restoration products work great. Their tech support is excellent. The final topcoat I did not like as it was difficult to apply uniformly and seemed to attract water stains and dirt. I understand their topcoat has been corrected and works much better now. I just ordered Poliglow because it seems to be easier to apply and maintain and just about everyone who has used it loves it. Tim R
Island Girl - NO!
Island Girl topcoat is most likely the worst possible thing you can apply to your boat. The pink cleaning liquid is amazing stuff, and I'll use that again. But the topcoat only attracts stains and dirt. The only way to clean it once it does become dirty is to scrub the stuff completely off - and it's not easy. That goes for both the anti-skid stuff as well as the other areas. Looks great....for about two months, then you've got problems...
Island Girl topcoat is most likely the worst possible thing you can apply to your boat. The pink cleaning liquid is amazing stuff, and I'll use that again. But the topcoat only attracts stains and dirt. The only way to clean it once it does become dirty is to scrub the stuff completely off - and it's not easy. That goes for both the anti-skid stuff as well as the other areas. Looks great....for about two months, then you've got problems...
Island Girl---NOT!!
I had the same experience with IG. After two months it looked terrible. Taking it all off and starting over with wax is not my idea of a good way to spend my time. I'd rather be sailing.
I had the same experience with IG. After two months it looked terrible. Taking it all off and starting over with wax is not my idea of a good way to spend my time. I'd rather be sailing.
Island Girl not
I tried their system and I agree with the others that it is a pain to use. In addition, it does seem to attract dirt and exhaust soot. The non-skid wax is the worst of the products in my opinion. Everybody that I know that has used Poliglow has been very happy with it.
I tried their system and I agree with the others that it is a pain to use. In addition, it does seem to attract dirt and exhaust soot. The non-skid wax is the worst of the products in my opinion. Everybody that I know that has used Poliglow has been very happy with it.
Poly-Glow on Deck?
Can I use polyglow on the deck (excluding the non-slip areas? I have been waxing with car wax. Jeff
Can I use polyglow on the deck (excluding the non-slip areas? I have been waxing with car wax. Jeff
PoliGlow decks
You can use it topside, and that is usually where it is most needed. The non-skid areas should be avoided, as it makes everything slippery as hell. Regards, Ted
You can use it topside, and that is usually where it is most needed. The non-skid areas should be avoided, as it makes everything slippery as hell. Regards, Ted
What do you use on non-skid
I have used polyglow for years on the topsides and love it. bought some IG non-skid last year to do the non-skid ecks but never got around to doing it. Based on the comments here I might just throw it away. What do you use on the non-skid? David Four Feathers C30
I have used polyglow for years on the topsides and love it. bought some IG non-skid last year to do the non-skid ecks but never got around to doing it. Based on the comments here I might just throw it away. What do you use on the non-skid? David Four Feathers C30
ditto on poli-glow
I used it on my C30 back in Dec and was amazed how good she looked. would love to find something that worked as well for the topsides.
I used it on my C30 back in Dec and was amazed how good she looked. would love to find something that worked as well for the topsides.
Don't Switch
Mike, I'm the caribbean distributor for Island Girl Products. We have severe weathering conditions here... and, that's why I've introduced IG Products to the Caribbean. You will find continued use of Island Girl Products a big plus in keeping your boat looking great all season long. It's easy to be tempted by one-step products. That's why I'm still using them on my boat after five years and now introduce the products to boaters in the St. Thomas area. You can email me at visailor@earthlink.net if you want to know more about how to keep your boat looking great. Terry
Mike, I'm the caribbean distributor for Island Girl Products. We have severe weathering conditions here... and, that's why I've introduced IG Products to the Caribbean. You will find continued use of Island Girl Products a big plus in keeping your boat looking great all season long. It's easy to be tempted by one-step products. That's why I'm still using them on my boat after five years and now introduce the products to boaters in the St. Thomas area. You can email me at visailor@earthlink.net if you want to know more about how to keep your boat looking great. Terry
Dont throw the Island Girl Non-Skid away
As the Caribbean Distributor for Island Girl Products, I have plenty of experience with the non-skid and the entire IG product line. I not only use all the products on my 43 foot sailboat, I detail power and sail boats here in St. Thomas. Jim works very hard to improve his products and if you aren't happy return it for his latest product. I detail a lot of fishing boats and the captain's love it. Most people apply the non-skid too thick figuring a little more will be better; it's just the opposite. For superior results, clean your decks really well (I use the Pink, but just make sure your decks are clean and dry.) Use the non-skid in a spray bottle and spray a 4X4 foot area then use a stiff hard bristled brussh to apply evenly. Move to the next area, and so on. When finished, hose everything off pretty well, let dry for 24 hours and you'll end up witht he results you want. Terry Hudson Island Girl Products - Caribbean www.boatdetailing.info
As the Caribbean Distributor for Island Girl Products, I have plenty of experience with the non-skid and the entire IG product line. I not only use all the products on my 43 foot sailboat, I detail power and sail boats here in St. Thomas. Jim works very hard to improve his products and if you aren't happy return it for his latest product. I detail a lot of fishing boats and the captain's love it. Most people apply the non-skid too thick figuring a little more will be better; it's just the opposite. For superior results, clean your decks really well (I use the Pink, but just make sure your decks are clean and dry.) Use the non-skid in a spray bottle and spray a 4X4 foot area then use a stiff hard bristled brussh to apply evenly. Move to the next area, and so on. When finished, hose everything off pretty well, let dry for 24 hours and you'll end up witht he results you want. Terry Hudson Island Girl Products - Caribbean www.boatdetailing.info
Terry the Distributor
Eventhough you are a distributor for Island Girl and the number of negative comments are disturbing, please recognize that numerous people have problems with it. The instructions, from my experience 2 years ago, were very poorly written. The solution to a problem always seemed to use a different product, i.e. when the exhaust soot created a line across my transom the remedy from Mr. Willis was to use another product he sold on top of it. This was included in my kit. It didn't help. My experience with the non-skid product was that it attracted dirt and you could not keep it clean. The Aurora non-skid wax was far better, cheaper and easier to use in my opinion. The streaking and blotching people have mentioned was also my experience. My experience and frustration was that the product cost a lot, was a hassle and time consuming to use and, at best, was only as good as a good wax job. By the way what can I use to remove the non-skid treatment?
Eventhough you are a distributor for Island Girl and the number of negative comments are disturbing, please recognize that numerous people have problems with it. The instructions, from my experience 2 years ago, were very poorly written. The solution to a problem always seemed to use a different product, i.e. when the exhaust soot created a line across my transom the remedy from Mr. Willis was to use another product he sold on top of it. This was included in my kit. It didn't help. My experience with the non-skid product was that it attracted dirt and you could not keep it clean. The Aurora non-skid wax was far better, cheaper and easier to use in my opinion. The streaking and blotching people have mentioned was also my experience. My experience and frustration was that the product cost a lot, was a hassle and time consuming to use and, at best, was only as good as a good wax job. By the way what can I use to remove the non-skid treatment?
Never had any problems either.
Terry: I do not distribute the product, but use it and find that it is very effective. Process small areas at a time. If you are cleaning the non-skid you would use a brush. If you are doing the regular smooth gel coat areas, you will use the synthetic wool that IG provides and it is available at West Marine and other marine outlets. We applying the finish to the non-skid you will use a paper towel to apply the non-skid SEALANT sparingly. After about 1 hr. you should rinse the area with clean water from the hose. This will rinse the excess material and set what is on the deck. Poly Glow get rave reviews but it never cures the pitted gel coat problem. It is an acrylic coating (yes very similar to floor wax). After a period of time it will need to be totally removed (sounds like floor wax to me) because it will yellow and crack. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Poly Glow or any of these other finishes if that is what you are looking for.
Terry: I do not distribute the product, but use it and find that it is very effective. Process small areas at a time. If you are cleaning the non-skid you would use a brush. If you are doing the regular smooth gel coat areas, you will use the synthetic wool that IG provides and it is available at West Marine and other marine outlets. We applying the finish to the non-skid you will use a paper towel to apply the non-skid SEALANT sparingly. After about 1 hr. you should rinse the area with clean water from the hose. This will rinse the excess material and set what is on the deck. Poly Glow get rave reviews but it never cures the pitted gel coat problem. It is an acrylic coating (yes very similar to floor wax). After a period of time it will need to be totally removed (sounds like floor wax to me) because it will yellow and crack. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Poly Glow or any of these other finishes if that is what you are looking for.
Mystery Post
I just saw a post on here that was titled "Sean, It's Terry". When I clicked on it, nothing was there. Then I went back and there is not a listing of it. There was one for Jeff D too. Both of them are gone. What's with that? Terry must have deleted them. I wonder what he had for us. Sean
I just saw a post on here that was titled "Sean, It's Terry". When I clicked on it, nothing was there. Then I went back and there is not a listing of it. There was one for Jeff D too. Both of them are gone. What's with that? Terry must have deleted them. I wonder what he had for us. Sean
I deleted them...
I think Terry wasn't sure how to use the forum so repeated pretty much the same post, addressed to each person who had a problem. I left the two that weren't duplications.
I think Terry wasn't sure how to use the forum so repeated pretty much the same post, addressed to each person who had a problem. I left the two that weren't duplications.
P.glow for leather, vinyl, glass, NEW boats, cars?
No, of course not!. Poliglow is a single product: water-based acrylic clear coat (with a precleaner) that is designed and suitable for temporary (1 year or more) restoration of old porous gelcoat. It will NOT stick to a new waxed hull , LPU or smooth metal and is too stiff for flexible plastics. The makers specifically WARN against use on new boats. It (last I heard) , and similar products have problem with yellowing (i.e. not for white boats) - this was even posted on this site a year or so ago by a person who chose it over IG for convenience. It's "plus" is that it sets fast and is shiny. It will stick well to porous gelcoat (the pores anchor it) and it will hold up MUCH better than conventional waxes The product has been out there a long time, as has almost identical Vertglas and New Glass (the latter rated equal to P.glow and available on this site. When such product eventually break down they have to be completely removed from the pores (dark colored boats) by stripping, even wet sanding. Howard, the owner of pglow is a friend and is running a small family business, like I am and I congratulate him on steady improvement of the product and a great job of marketing. However as all new boats start to use our products (specifically our Mirror Hard Superglaze product) or pre-apply polyurethane, I think that teh market for water-based acrylics is going to steadily shrink! NOW- BY RULES OF THIS FORUM I AM NOT ALLOWED TO "ADVERTIZE" but what can I say? I will try to be comletely factual and dispassionate. "Island Girl" is a "System" , of my own invention of a handfull of products that, together, is designed to replace most all other products for most all uses. This is a tall order and perfection has been not been an overnight development, given varying climatic /pollution conditions, varying customer interpretation of instructions and varying boats. The only complaints that I have received have all, but one (sooty black streaks - see gelcoat and plastics forum), been associated with slow setting of thickly applied Simply Brilliant Superwax and (to a much lesser extent) our original version of the non-skid sealant (that actually increases underfoot grip). Early last year this last remaining problem was addressed by introduction of a "hotter" resin formulations and a pH corrective metalic catalyst. Set up is now much faster, but not so fast that (like pg and other acrylics) a special applicator has to be used to avoid streaking. Be aware that even professionally applied paints and clearcoats need a totally wax-free and "keyed" (roughed up) surface for proper adhesion. Water-based coatings (because of beading of the water) are even more susceptible to traces of wax - this can lead to tiny blisters ( I have two such customers coming to me this year to switch to the IG system. A brief rundown of some our products line: 1. IG Pink even safely removes paint overspray, 5200 etc from delicate surfaces such as upholstery and cloth and yet use with water dilution for most every other general cleaning job. 2. Sea Glow. Removes gummy oxidation (fenders etc) and restores whiteness to yellowed white gelcoat, vinyl, hypalon etc, lifelines vents. Removes and kills chalky oxidation in gelcoat conditions and preserves against color fade (ndependent tests) mildew etc. 3. Silkenseal. "Plastic Skin{" sealant seals upholstery, inflatables, vinyl against staining and gumminess. Used as undercoat for conventional waxes (you you can use after cleaning with SG etc). and for "quickshine" touch up of conventional or our Superwax-coated surfaces. 4. Clear Horizons. Increases clarity, protects against scratching and acts like a safe "Rainex" for use of clear plastics. I use it on my eyeglasses. 5. Mirror Hard Superglaze. Protect NEW boats, car paintwork etc without use of wax or polishes. Just wipe on, even over good (clean) waxed surfaces. I use on my new paint jobs on my classic cars, there is a BMW dealership looking at it for protection in HI tropical conditions, due to feedback from one of their customers. 6. Simply Brilliant Superwax. This is NOT a clearcoat, but designed to replace conventional waxes with a simple formula that you just wipe on. Perfection has not been easy from initial shelf-life problems to slow setting (causing soaking in and dull spots on old porous gelcoat) dirt sticking to uncured surface and dull water marks (also when not fully cured). It is a true WAX (synthetic though) -based product with the protective advantaged (water beading for 3 YEARS on my boat that has just recently been redone) but being wax-based will get some dark run off streaks (not seen with the Superglaze), I apologize to anyone who had problems with early versions of this product, but all problems are easily fixed and I am available virtually 24/7. There are follow up e-mails to root out any possible complaints and a money back guarantee. On this site, anyone is free to post their experiences which have been overwhelmingly positive. 7. Non-skid sealant. The surface is NOT slippery when wet and it is easily applied. The ORIGINAL formula was developed be testing on my own boat and by a beta testing group chosen from members of this site. It is optimized for use on old porous, stippled gelcoat decks (like mine) and can prevent staining of the decks by oil, cetol etc. Bird droppings just rinse off. Developed for use in warm weather, slow setting (thick applicaton, colder weather) can lead to foot-marks, dirt sticking etc. Although easily fixed, I introduced a catalyst to help with set up in less than ideal weather, and a new formulation (based on the Superglaze) for NEW or non-absorbent decks where only a thin coating is necessary or desirable. For logistical reasons, this may end up as THE final formula. So there you have it - the contents of our kits. If I did not think that our products were overal superior in versatility etc, I would have just gone sailing instead of working so hard for TEN YEARS! In the words of Lee Iacoca - if you find something better - get it! However, don't give too much credence to to claims such as "four years protection" etc that supercedes even what Pract Sailor claim. There must have been reapplicaton or protected storage. Even a new LPU job will not last that long in the tropics or in Texas (see IG testimonials in the Chandlery of this site), Although our products (on white gelcoat) gave beading for 3 years (video to be posted in next few days) , the surface on the sunny side had definately dulled. One last thing. My mail order customers have repeatedly lobbied Practical Sailor to test our products. The reply was "They will get to it - but now they are doing a big test but did not include us! If you want to do your own side by side, I can send product samples and pieces of gelcoat for free. They will also be available at the Sail Expo. Next day or so - video of what the results look like and how apply (see gelcoat and plastics site). Aloha Nui! Jim W
No, of course not!. Poliglow is a single product: water-based acrylic clear coat (with a precleaner) that is designed and suitable for temporary (1 year or more) restoration of old porous gelcoat. It will NOT stick to a new waxed hull , LPU or smooth metal and is too stiff for flexible plastics. The makers specifically WARN against use on new boats. It (last I heard) , and similar products have problem with yellowing (i.e. not for white boats) - this was even posted on this site a year or so ago by a person who chose it over IG for convenience. It's "plus" is that it sets fast and is shiny. It will stick well to porous gelcoat (the pores anchor it) and it will hold up MUCH better than conventional waxes The product has been out there a long time, as has almost identical Vertglas and New Glass (the latter rated equal to P.glow and available on this site. When such product eventually break down they have to be completely removed from the pores (dark colored boats) by stripping, even wet sanding. Howard, the owner of pglow is a friend and is running a small family business, like I am and I congratulate him on steady improvement of the product and a great job of marketing. However as all new boats start to use our products (specifically our Mirror Hard Superglaze product) or pre-apply polyurethane, I think that teh market for water-based acrylics is going to steadily shrink! NOW- BY RULES OF THIS FORUM I AM NOT ALLOWED TO "ADVERTIZE" but what can I say? I will try to be comletely factual and dispassionate. "Island Girl" is a "System" , of my own invention of a handfull of products that, together, is designed to replace most all other products for most all uses. This is a tall order and perfection has been not been an overnight development, given varying climatic /pollution conditions, varying customer interpretation of instructions and varying boats. The only complaints that I have received have all, but one (sooty black streaks - see gelcoat and plastics forum), been associated with slow setting of thickly applied Simply Brilliant Superwax and (to a much lesser extent) our original version of the non-skid sealant (that actually increases underfoot grip). Early last year this last remaining problem was addressed by introduction of a "hotter" resin formulations and a pH corrective metalic catalyst. Set up is now much faster, but not so fast that (like pg and other acrylics) a special applicator has to be used to avoid streaking. Be aware that even professionally applied paints and clearcoats need a totally wax-free and "keyed" (roughed up) surface for proper adhesion. Water-based coatings (because of beading of the water) are even more susceptible to traces of wax - this can lead to tiny blisters ( I have two such customers coming to me this year to switch to the IG system. A brief rundown of some our products line: 1. IG Pink even safely removes paint overspray, 5200 etc from delicate surfaces such as upholstery and cloth and yet use with water dilution for most every other general cleaning job. 2. Sea Glow. Removes gummy oxidation (fenders etc) and restores whiteness to yellowed white gelcoat, vinyl, hypalon etc, lifelines vents. Removes and kills chalky oxidation in gelcoat conditions and preserves against color fade (ndependent tests) mildew etc. 3. Silkenseal. "Plastic Skin{" sealant seals upholstery, inflatables, vinyl against staining and gumminess. Used as undercoat for conventional waxes (you you can use after cleaning with SG etc). and for "quickshine" touch up of conventional or our Superwax-coated surfaces. 4. Clear Horizons. Increases clarity, protects against scratching and acts like a safe "Rainex" for use of clear plastics. I use it on my eyeglasses. 5. Mirror Hard Superglaze. Protect NEW boats, car paintwork etc without use of wax or polishes. Just wipe on, even over good (clean) waxed surfaces. I use on my new paint jobs on my classic cars, there is a BMW dealership looking at it for protection in HI tropical conditions, due to feedback from one of their customers. 6. Simply Brilliant Superwax. This is NOT a clearcoat, but designed to replace conventional waxes with a simple formula that you just wipe on. Perfection has not been easy from initial shelf-life problems to slow setting (causing soaking in and dull spots on old porous gelcoat) dirt sticking to uncured surface and dull water marks (also when not fully cured). It is a true WAX (synthetic though) -based product with the protective advantaged (water beading for 3 YEARS on my boat that has just recently been redone) but being wax-based will get some dark run off streaks (not seen with the Superglaze), I apologize to anyone who had problems with early versions of this product, but all problems are easily fixed and I am available virtually 24/7. There are follow up e-mails to root out any possible complaints and a money back guarantee. On this site, anyone is free to post their experiences which have been overwhelmingly positive. 7. Non-skid sealant. The surface is NOT slippery when wet and it is easily applied. The ORIGINAL formula was developed be testing on my own boat and by a beta testing group chosen from members of this site. It is optimized for use on old porous, stippled gelcoat decks (like mine) and can prevent staining of the decks by oil, cetol etc. Bird droppings just rinse off. Developed for use in warm weather, slow setting (thick applicaton, colder weather) can lead to foot-marks, dirt sticking etc. Although easily fixed, I introduced a catalyst to help with set up in less than ideal weather, and a new formulation (based on the Superglaze) for NEW or non-absorbent decks where only a thin coating is necessary or desirable. For logistical reasons, this may end up as THE final formula. So there you have it - the contents of our kits. If I did not think that our products were overal superior in versatility etc, I would have just gone sailing instead of working so hard for TEN YEARS! In the words of Lee Iacoca - if you find something better - get it! However, don't give too much credence to to claims such as "four years protection" etc that supercedes even what Pract Sailor claim. There must have been reapplicaton or protected storage. Even a new LPU job will not last that long in the tropics or in Texas (see IG testimonials in the Chandlery of this site), Although our products (on white gelcoat) gave beading for 3 years (video to be posted in next few days) , the surface on the sunny side had definately dulled. One last thing. My mail order customers have repeatedly lobbied Practical Sailor to test our products. The reply was "They will get to it - but now they are doing a big test but did not include us! If you want to do your own side by side, I can send product samples and pieces of gelcoat for free. They will also be available at the Sail Expo. Next day or so - video of what the results look like and how apply (see gelcoat and plastics site). Aloha Nui! Jim W
Jeff D - Exactly!!!
Sounds like you've had the exact experience that I and several others on my dock have had. The only thing we found to remove the non-skid was soft scrub. Worst mistake I believe I've ever made on my boat was to put the Island Girl non-skid on the boat. It looked great for about two months, then slowly started turning blacker and blacker.......never again!
Sounds like you've had the exact experience that I and several others on my dock have had. The only thing we found to remove the non-skid was soft scrub. Worst mistake I believe I've ever made on my boat was to put the Island Girl non-skid on the boat. It looked great for about two months, then slowly started turning blacker and blacker.......never again!
- Status