To wax (a newly painted Sailboat) or not to wax?

[SeacretSailor]

Qucik question for everybody - I recently painted my 26' Sailboat with 3 coats of Interlux's Brightside and it came out terrific. Now that I've let it fully dry and cure for 60 days, I think I want to wax it for 2 reasons. 1 - Get the most shine and gloss as possible. 2 - Get a hard protective coat to protect it from nicks/scratches.I've heard not to wax and to wax and wanted to get your opinions. If yes, can you let me know waht brands to use?Kevin B.

 

[USA]

I Waxed Mine

I've had good results with Brightside (off white)and wax up in New England. Southern California and Florida are another story. UV makes the stuff go bad in a hurry so cover it up when ever you can

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Not recommended

KevinBeing an enamel paint, you need to be careful how you maintain it and indescriminant waxing is a sure way to destroy the enamel coating. If you wax with anything other than a pure wax, i.e., one with no cleansers and abrasives such as found in the so-called one-step waxes, you will break down the enamel coating. Buffing harshly could do the same thing regardless of what wax you use.Interlux and U.S. Paint both recommend just frequent washing but U.S. Paint sells an acrylic coating made specifically for painted hulls (or decks). I believe it is called Awlcare.

 

[Tom Spohn]

Teflon

Brightside contains teflon. Some of its benefits may disappear when waxed. Good idea to ask Interlux this question. They do have their own wax for their paints.http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa/product_guide/boatcare/default.asp

 

[Guy D]

poly-glo

Poly-glo says it's fine over paint. Quick, easy, great shine, and good protection.

 

[Scott]

Ship Shape ...

I tune into this show from time to time and Sunday they did a segment on restoration of an older boat. They used Poli Glow and said it works well over paint (the featured boat was restoring gel-coat). I would give it a try, it's non-abrasive and supposed to fill in the micro voids for good protection.

 

[CalebD]

Are we talking hull or topsides here?

I think it might be advantageous to wax the freeboard of your boat (hull above waterline) because the wax may provide another albeit temporary layer of water resistance. I would watch for signs of discoloration though. I have heard of people saying you should was the entire hull over the fresh bottom paint but I am a bit skeptical about this and think that the manufacturers reccommendations should be followed. If we are talking about waxing the deck of a sailboat then if it has been repainted I would watch out for making the surface too slippery. New paint on the decks should be enough. Otherwise wax and buff your heart out.

 

[jimq26]

Caleb - what do think the word topsides means?

nm

 

[r.w.landau]

CalebD, Most boaters consider from the

waterline to the gunwale/rubrail as the topsides and the horizontal surface above, the deck.hope that helps.I think the Navy considers everything above the waterline topsidesr.w.landau

 

[CalebD]

I am not a merchant mariner but

I know a bit of terminology. I consider the "topsides" to be the bit of the boat that is above the water line. That includes the hull freeboard) and decks; not the part of the hull that is underwater on a sailboat most of the time. Is this inconsistent with US Navy terminology? I thought it was. Good luck nit-picking this post.I await your input.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mis]

Topsides

Generaly the term 'topsides' usually refers to the hull sides above the waterline. I have also seen it to mean everything above the waterline except the deck. And have also see it to mean EVERYTHING above the waterline including the decks. Take your pick.