Wax or ceramic

Hayden Watson

Hayden Watson

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Apr 5, 2009
3,095
Catalina '88 C30 tr/bs Oak Harbor, WA
Finish protection has been changing so much in the last few years that I do not even know how to talk the language. Assuming that the gelcoat is buffed to a very high shine and looks great what do you put on it to protect it.
Years ago, I tried the "recommended" Carnauba wax and it was horrible stuff to work with. I ended up with smears of wax that would not buff off. For many years I used West Marine wax with Teflon and really liked it but then they changed the formula to make it "green" (including adding what looked like food coloring to make it a bright green color" but it did not perform well. I guess I should have felt good about how friendly I had been to the environment but that was hard given that my boat looked like crap.
So... What have you used to get at least a years protection on a good shiny surfaced gelcoat?
 
BigEasy

BigEasy

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Jun 21, 2004
2,782
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
The standard for years has been Collinite paste wax. Not so easy to apply and it does not last a year on Gulf Coast. Perhaps it would hold up for a year in the PNW. it does not yellow over time and does not create problems with removal as some of the polymer type finishes. Always finished as best in Practical Sailor reviews. Don’t know if it is continues to best some of the newer finishes. But you have to be careful, some finishes look great initially and then it’s a nightmare removing the stuff after it degrades.
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,344
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
A distinction with no difference. Take a que from the auto industry refinishers - “lightly polish prior to protect with any wax and keep it clean. Always garage overnight.”
 
DougM

DougM

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Jul 24, 2005
2,242
Beneteau 323 Manistee, MI
I have used Collinite Fleet Wax for years, and have been happy with it. I have found that the easiest way is to apply it with a sponge type applicator in small sections followed before the wax is completely dry with a quick buff with a microfiber cloth, then with a wool buffing wheel. (never in direct sunlight and not when the outdoor temperature is too cool.)

I haven’t researched the “Ceramic” products enough to even know their pros and cons, nor what their long term effects might be, especially on automotive finishes.
 
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Justin_NSA

Justin_NSA

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Jul 7, 2004
8,481
Hunter 30T Cheney, KS
I get ads all the time for ceramic products. Maybe I'm just stuck in the past, I use Collinite paste wax on the boat. It helps to go on easier if the surface is polished first.
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
22,987
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada

Tips For A Great Buff & Wax

Buff Polish & Wax Try these products (for Gel-Coat only not intended for Awlgrip) The Cliff Note Version: Steps: #1-Clean the hull with an acid base cleaner like FSR, oxalic acid or On & Off to remove rust & tannin staining. (only if necessary) #2-Wet Sand by hand 600 (if real bad)...
forums.sailboatowners.com
 
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Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

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Feb 10, 2004
4,097
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
DougM said:
I have used Collinite Fleet Wax for years, and have been happy with it. I have found that the easiest way is to apply it with a sponge type applicator in small sections followed before the wax is completely dry with a quick buff with a microfiber cloth, then with a wool buffing wheel. (never in direct sunlight and not when the outdoor temperature is too cool.)

I haven’t researched the “Ceramic” products enough to even know their pros and cons, nor what their long term effects might be, especially on automotive finishes.
Click to expand
I second this suggestion. I have used the Collinite Fleet Wax for years. Easily lasts a full year in the northeast. It is a lot of work; it takes me a full day to do one side of my 40' Hunter, including moving the scaffolds. That is for a buff out and full wax.
 
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