Vertglas

[Brent Stiles]

I stripped, washed and sealed the top and cockpit area of my hunter 18.5 last Friday. Used the "vertglas" kit with excellent results. As the directions pointed out, it requires at least 4 coats for a shine to appear. The entire process took approx 6 hrs and seems worth it. Now to see how it weathers this season!

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMIstress]

Everyone loves these products when...

...we first apply them...I did. But the time will come when weather, foot traffic, UV degradation, etc deteriorate it beyond what can be repaired with touch ups and it has to be stripped completely off and re-applied...I've never met anyone who's ever used any of these products a second time.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Hmm Peggy, I have!

There are several boats in our yard that use Vertglas on their hulls with excellent results. They do not have the problem you mentioned where they have to strip and re-apply. They just follow the instructions for normal annual maintenance. They keep telling me I am working way too hard using boat cleaner and paste wax. I understand that Practical Sailor also had favorable results.Go figure!Ken, S/V Liberty

 

[Rich Macal]

me too

I have used Vertglas on the hull of my 85 28.5 for the past 3 seasons. It is much easier to maintain than all of the waxing. What I have NOT done is applied this material to the top sides. I have found routine cleaning and at least two waxings a season works best in the cockpit and on the other smooth surfaces of the top. As far as the non-skid areas I just keep scrubbing. I do wish that were easier to keep clean.

 

[Jim WIllis]

Comparative Merits of Acrylic versus other...

When I get back to my own computer I will give a big discourse on this gathered over 6 years of seeing and using lots of products and getting feedback from others.A good acrylic finish will outlast any neglected wax (including our Superwax) but they have a reputation for yellowing an dflaking off.The reasons and ways to prevent this will be dealt with later.ThanksJim W