wax removal

[Jack]

Hi All,

I am thinking that it's time to remove the old was from the top sides and start with a few coats of fresh new wax. I am just not sure what would be a good and safe product to use for stripping off the old wax but not hurting the gel coat.

Any suggestions?

thanks
J&R

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Just about any detergent with a surfactant will remove whatever remnant of wax which might still remain. Any polish (note there is a distinction between a polish and a wax) will also remove any remaining wax.

 

[Steve Dion]

Ammonia and hot soapy water. Cannot imagine that the is much wax there any way.

 

[Jack]

Thanks all...
looks like my wife found some data online to support buying the Interlux 202 Fiberglass Solvent Wash. Has anyone had any experience with that?


thanks,

J&R

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

You do realize that wax, regardless of what type, will only last a few months at best. Rather than spend the money buying some slick solvent, buy a bottle of ammonia or any generic detergent

 

[sesmith]

Washing the boat in dish detergent and warm water (Dawn) should take most of the remaining wax off. Alcohol and water will finish dewaxing it if you're really concerned about it. Instead of doing that, I would just go over the boat with Collinite 920 fiberglass cleaner. It will clean up the boat and be a good base for the new wax.

http://www.collinite.com/marine-wax/fiberglass-boat-cleaner

 

[Barnacle Bill]

202 Solvent Wash is designed for taking off wax on gel coat. Pettit also has a de-waxer that works very well. You need to keep turning your towel or use new handfulls of paper towels so that you lift and remove the wax and not just rub it in and spread it around. Keep using clean towels is what I am getting at.

 

[RobG]

I use 202 Solvent Wash

I never had any great success with Dawn or other detergents getting the old wax off. The 202 works very well and a little goes a long way, stays wet for a long time for a solvent. As Bill said keep rotating your towel or use paper towels as I do. I have to de-wax because I get the darkened "stripes" below where the toe rail drains are.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Here's another Interlux product designed to do what you want: [FONT=&quot]FIBERGLASS SURFACE[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]PREP-LOW V.O.C[/FONT][FONT=&quot].[/FONT]
• A Low V.O.C. contamination/mold release agent remover used for preparing fiberglass bottoms of new boats or unpainted hulls before applying primers or antifouling paints
• Removes contamination, mold release agents, wax and amine blush
• Clean previously painted surfaces before repainting topside finishes
• Ideal for preparing inflatable boats for antifouling