Wipe Off Last Years Wax With Acetone?

[Ducati]

Was at a West Marine store loading up with products to clean, compound and wax our boat. The store rep asked me if I needed any acetone to clean off last years wax. I didn't buy it because I figured the compounding would take care of that job. I was also not sure of using acetone because it's a pretty harsh chemical and was thinking that it might damage the gelcoat.

Comments?

 

[Tim R.]

Acetone is too harsh for this. Lacquer thinner would probably work fine. Check with Collinite first though. You also want to wash the thinner off before compounding.

 

[Roger Long]

I was sold something that was supposed to be specially for this and was colored pink so that you can see where it has been applied. My gel coat is far less than perfect and the pink seeped into all sorts of cracks and imperfections and was almost impossible to get out. You can still find bits of it a couple seasons later. Beware.

 

[DJN51]

I,ve used automotive prepsol for years,safe for gelcoat.

 

[Richard Bryer]

Collinite makes a cleaner that is supposed to provide a better surface for the application of the wax ( at least their wax) I have used it for several years and find it to be an excellent cleaner at least

 

[Maine Sail]

If your going to polish the boat just wash it and go to town then apply the wax. Lemon Joy does a nice job at eating wax away though it is not really necessary at a year out..

 

[Joe]

I've used acetone to non-abrasively clean grease or rubber marks on my hull. I dab some on a rag and the blemish wipes off easily.... then wash down with fresh water... never a problem..... the downside is it removes the wax also, but it can be easily re-applied.

 

[Maine Sail]

I've used acetone to non-abrasively clean grease or rubber marks on my hull. I dab some on a rag and the blemish wipes off easily.... then wash down with fresh water... never a problem..... the downside is it removes the wax also, but it can be easily re-applied.

I've used acetone on cured fiberglass & gelcoat for years. If used appropriately it is fine. If you pour it onto the surface and let it puddle you'll eventually have an issue.

 

[higgs]

I have never bothered to remove the old wax and have been pleased with results. I had my Irwin 32 for 12 years and just added a new coat of wax each year. She looked pretty good when I sold her.

 

[monkeybars]

removing old wax is only neccessary if your appllying paint or gelcoat.the whole reason your putting on a new coat of wax is because last years is worn off.