Waxing painted fiberglass

KD3PC · Apr 13, 2011

imron is not to be waxed...some experts say just not a carnuba wax. Same for real awlgrip...just wash and rinse. Google imron and airplanecar to see how they do it, it has been used on airplanes and custom/race cars at least since the 70's

If it is dull, then you get in to the 2000 grit wet sand, then 4000 grit wet polish...but you should really know what you are doing at that point...as you really can ruin it. and it is quite expensive to remove and replace (very labor intensive to remove and difficult to "blend in").

Maine Sail · Apr 13, 2011

windsmaker said:
How do you polish and wax awlgrip or imron painted fiberglass?
Are procedures and products used similar to polishing and waxing a fiberglass gelcoat?

You really need to know if it is Imron or Awlcraft 2000 or Awlgrip. Awlgrip is a linear polyurethane and should NOT be "polished" unless you are nearly ready for a re-paint anyway. You can use a polymer sealant like Awlcare though. Awlcare has no abrasives and is not a "wax".

Imron or Awlcraft 2000 are acrylic urethanes and can be polished but you really need to know what you are doing and they have a far thinner DFT than gelcoat. Awlcare can be used on both of these. I have used Collinite #885 on Imron and had great results despite it not "technically" being recommended. I only did this when the paint was near its end of life stages though and would not use it on a newer paint job...

Florida sail · Apr 13, 2011

Maine,

Is there any way of telling which LP a boat has been painted with? Thanks...

Bob Poff · Apr 13, 2011

Imron will do quite nicely over time just washing it.
Here's a picture of my ten year old Imron that's never been waxed.

Don S/V ILLusion · Apr 13, 2011

"Is there any way of telling which LP a boat has been painted with?"

It really doesn't matter if you have Imron or Awlgrip/Awlcraft. Any can be safely sealed with acrylic sealer sold by U.S. Paint commonly referred to as Awlcare.

caguy · Apr 13, 2011

Bob Poff said:
Imron will do quite nicely over time just washing it.
Here's a picture of my ten year old Imron that's never been waxed.

I can see the topsides lasting ten years, but what about the deck? How often does a boat deck have to be repainted?

paul1938 · Apr 13, 2011

Go to the Awlgrip site, they have detailed maintance instructions. i'd print it out if i were you and keep handy.

Waxing painted fiberglass

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