Best topside wax, err and how to apply it

[Poignard]

Out of interest, why is it easier? It's basically just 5% oxalic acid, like Y10.

I find that in summer Y10 can need some gentle scrubbing to remove it from the surface, it doesn't just rinse off.

Yes. That's why I gave up using it. It's too thixotropic.

Now I just use a mixture of oxalic acid and water and paint it on.

I agree about the temperature. It's a waste of time using it in winter

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Thanks all, I'll check the temperature when I'm at the boat on Friday - looks like 6 to 7 degrees, so might be an idea to wait for spring and ignore for now. Will there be any damage to the hull leaving the gelcoat unprotected by wax over the winter?

PBO had some success in colder temperatures (they reported 6 to 8 degrees)? - https://www.pbo.co.uk/gear/10-gelcoat-cleaners-tested-26286

 

[johnalison]

Out of interest, why is it easier? It's basically just 5% oxalic acid, like Y10.

I find that in summer Y10 can need some gentle scrubbing to remove it from the surface, it doesn't just rinse off.

I have used both, and they both work, of course. Yachticon stuff is more liquid and comes in a handy bottle, though the top is not quite as good as the older version. I can slop some of it onto a domestic sponge-on-a-pole and spread it over a large area while standing by the boat when ashore, or use a large sponge from a dinghy. Y10 is much thicker and tends to form lumps on the surface unless time is taken to spread it evenly. It is just a personal preference to do with the way I work.

 

[Poignard]

Barkeeper's Friend also works just as well and is cheap and readily available at Tesco's. It contains oxalic acid.

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/295789670

 

[pvb]

Barkeeper's Friend also works just as well and is cheap and readily available at Tesco's. It contains oxalic acid.

I think the problem with Barkeeper's Friend, and indeed the PolyOx powder which the OP mentioned, is that they are mildly abrasive. Liquid or gel versions of oxalic acid cleaners are inherently kinder to gelcoat.

 

[Poignard]

I think the problem with Barkeeper's Friend, and indeed the PolyOx powder which the OP mentioned, is that they are mildly abrasive. Liquid or gel versions of oxalic acid cleaners are inherently kinder to gelcoat.

Is that so? I didn't know that.

 

[pvb]

Is that so? I didn't know that.

Live and learn! That's why they say "Do not use on mirror polished stainless steel, gold, silver, enamel or high gloss surfaces."

 

[Poignard]

Live and learn! That's why they say "Do not use on mirror polished stainless steel, gold, silver, enamel or high gloss surfaces."

Ah well, high-gloss does not describe my 52-year old topsides! My boat's previous owner used to clean her with Jif!

But a few coats of Zep floor polish makes her look shiny with little effort!