ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
I'm thinking I should polish my boat which I've never bothered with before. Deck and cabintop only. I've got some car polish which I use once a year, would that do?
Polishing
- Thread starter ghostlymoron
- Start date
NealB
Well-Known Member
Deck and cabin top are the two areas that I don't polish, 'cos I don't want to walk across slippery surfaces.
KINGFISHER 9
Well-Known Member
Whatever you polish, wax it afterwards!
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
What wax should I use? The walking on areas have a moulded in textured finish which I won't polish.
johnalison
Well-Known Member
It really doesn't matter which product you use, since they will all work. I now use carton type waxes and polishes, since they seem to go further and I can put them down anywhere without risk of them spilling. In recent years I have followed waxing with wax sealant as this seems to keep the shine for longer. My current wax is 3Ms which is quite firm in the tin and smells lovely.
Quandary
Well-Known Member
A long time ago I read in PBO or similar that car wax should not be used on boat topsides, not because they would not be effective but because if you ever wanted to paint the hull there might be problems with adhesion. So unlike most of my neighbours in the boatyard I use expensive marine products. I suspect the advice is outdated now, anyone have more up to date info. on the subject?
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
I've done a test patch on my cabin top sides using wax as advised. I hadn't got any carnuba so I used turtle wax (is it made from turtles?). The finish looks superb and its very easy to apply. I've been admiring it in the sun from my deckchair. As a result of this test, I'm going to do the rest as soon as I've got rid of the green bloom that has accumulated over winter, not the anti slip areas obviously.
I've no plans to paint this area but doubt whether the polish is so long lasting that it would cause problems.
I've no plans to paint this area but doubt whether the polish is so long lasting that it would cause problems.
Skylark
Well-Known Member
Over the years I've used a variety of marine polishes and wouldn't particularly recommend any. For the past few years I've used Autoglym super resin polish, bought off ebay for about £12 / litre. Very easy to apply, even easier to buff. I think it's the dog's bolox of polish. I tend to do the topsides 3 times per year. Just prior to launch, mid season and shortly after haul out. I do the smooth grp bits around the deck and cockpit every now and again when it's a nice day in the marina. I also use car wash 'n wax in a bucket of water to clean the deck upon return to the pontoon after sailing (distance, not just around the bay). If car products are good enough for Del Boys Reliant Robin, why not use them on a boat.