Protection product test

[gjgm]

Thanks; if all the products are of similar amount of work, then you have made that assessment. Notwithstanding your comment about new gel, I merely mean that if some uber wax is a nightmare to use but lasts forever is that better or worse-in your test- than one that goes on effortlessly and last forever minus one week On the same theme, if one of the products needs its own special wash once a week, that is also alot more work than a product that doesnt recommend it.
For example, and it maybe subjective, I think 3m is a bit easier to use and last noticeably longer than Maguires Flagship, and Autoglym fills your mop head with the most terrible gunky slime.

 

[Marine Reflections]

Tony,

One thing I've always been curious about is whether products can be applied in several coats to build up more protection, or does each one remove the previous thereby only ever having the same effect as one coat? How does one tell?
Again I don't want to (even further) complicate your already comprehensive test but if you could give us a pointer from your experience I'd be very grateful.

How does one tell indeed!

Personally I've never really seen any benefit from adding a second, but it does come up in the instructions of some products.
Provided that you have full coverage and the surface has shut out oxygen, the only benefit I can see of adding a second is if it surely does increase the protection layer depth and not remove the first as you say.

If the product was a stand alone protection then perhaps there might be an additional increase in protection.
The ones that clean as well as polish for example are surely going to clean off that first layer as you say.

I guess it depends on the product and a few other factors regarding the surface itself.

In my antique restoring days, polishing a surface wasn't removal of the top layer of dead / oxidised gel coat as it is in my industry today, it was filling the grain up with polish, coat by coat.

On some pieces I would have to push hand made polish into the grain, wait an hour or so for it to set, then fine wire wool the excess off the surface and push in another coat.
Each coat would see the grain slowly fill up closer and closer the the top, sometimes it might take 20 or so coats of varying degrees of viscosity.
Once at the very top, the surface was flush and a near on perfect reflection was formed.
After that the coating on top was simply a wax layer.

Odd that this is kind of what goes on when doing a gel coated surface only in reverse. You work the surface down to reach flush and uniform rather than fill.
Many try to fill to create a shine, but the results are temporary.

I'd go with the manufacturers instructions, they have usually done far more testing than I ever would and in ways I can't, to establish what's right for that product and surface.

 

[hellogfs]

Use Olive wax this is durable and smooth

 

[Marine Reflections]

Thanks; if all the products are of similar amount of work, then you have made that assessment. Notwithstanding your comment about new gel, I merely mean that if some uber wax is a nightmare to use but lasts forever is that better or worse-in your test- than one that goes on effortlessly and last forever minus one week On the same theme, if one of the products needs its own special wash once a week, that is also alot more work than a product that doesnt recommend it.
For example, and it maybe subjective, I think 3m is a bit easier to use and last noticeably longer than Maguires Flagship, and Autoglym fills your mop head with the most terrible gunky slime.

I'd choose the one that goes on really easily and lasts forever?

I'm all for an easy life Gavin, it's striking the balance of difficulty in application and follow on maintenance, versus the results you'd get out of it. I hope to be able to help with the dilemma.

If they all go on relatively easily, but someone is finding them a nightmare to use - it's down to the surface, or possibly the application method, such as applying in direct sunlight etc.

What are you applying with a mop head from Autoglym?

Most manufacturers put forward their recommended follow on product for a wash down and many have sent one in as part of the evaluation, we'll get to that soon, but most of them are simply safe / PH neutral shampoos that won't strip the protection one so lovingly applied.

Its a bit like applying a decent protection coating and offering a wash down with harsh truck wash. The protections performance would be at near on zero from that point on.

 

[Marine Reflections]

Next up on Panel number 3 we have Collinite Fleetwax (885).

What it says on the tin
Last step wax shines as it protects, leaving behind a high gloss finish and Collinite’s longest lasting weather defence against the adhesion of future contaminates – UV, salt spray, dirt dust, stains and more.

Available at
Shipshapenorfolkltd.co.uk

Price
£23.92
Quantity
12floz

Cleaning / correctional qualities
None, a stand alone protection

Preparing the panel
Collinite recommend 920 Fibreglass boat cleaner

On opening
A sturdy metal tin with a tight seal lid.

Contents
Ivory coloured wax, pleasant smell.

Application
Normal applicator sponge, spread thin even coat over surface.

Removing excess
Wait for product to dry/haze and buff with a microfiber

Testing repellency
Water is beading very well on the surface, I would score the beading at 7 out of 10.

Comments
Very easy on, easy off application with high initial beading.

 

[Marine Reflections]

Next up on Panel number 4 we have International Marine Wax.

What it says on the tin
International Marine Wax gives lasting protection without abrasives or silicone.
It is easy to work with and ideal for larger surfaces. International Marine Wax offers a hard, long lasting, full gloss surface and gives protection against saltwater and sunlight.
It does not leave a patchy surface and its non-abrasive making it suitable for both manual and machine use on the boat or the car, caravan and garden furniture (800-1000 rpm).

Available at
Yachtpaintonline.com

Price
£12.75

Quantity
500ml

Cleaning / correctional qualities
None, stand alone protection product

Preparing the panel
Recommended product to prepare the panel is International Super Cleaner

On opening
Well shaped bottle for application, well designed dispensing system at the top.

Contents
Cream coloured liquid, smells a bit unpleasant.

Application
Apply using a clean dry cloth, polish with circular movements.

Removing excess
Polish using a cloth or machine until desired gloss level is achieved, changing cloth frequently.

Testing repellency
I would score this at 3 out of 10, let’s hope it protects better than it beads.

Comments
Following the application methods from the manufacturer to the letter, this product left a noticeable residue on the surface that was difficult to remove. Difficult on new gel coat, lesser gel coat could be worse.
Having had a little play with various techniques, I would tweak the application method somewhat and wipe off the product with a damp cloth after curing or wipe the product off after a minute of hazing to make things easier. There is certainly potential in this product as the residue was a real pain to remove, making me assume that there is more to come from this product in terms of protection, we shall see.

 

[Marine Reflections]

Next up on Panel number 5 we have High Definition Wax from Autoglym.

What it says on the tin
The result of 40 years of research and development, this expertly crafted wax is individually filled and inspected before being carefully air-cooled ensuring it is suitable for use on the worlds finest vehicles.
High Definition Wax contains a carefully balanced, yet complex blend of polymers, carnauba and microcrystalline waxes.

Available at
Autoglym.com

Price
£45.99

Quantity
Kit containing 150g HD Wax, 2 HD applicators and a Hi-Tech Finishing Cloth

Cleaning / correctional qualities
None, stand alone protection product

Preparing the panel
Recommended product to use prior to the protection would be Super Resin Polish.

On opening
A plastic tub with a twist sealing lid.

Contents
Creamy / buttery wax, smells pleasant.

Application
Using one of the vacuum packed damp red applicators supplied, apply wax evenly in a light circular motion.

Removing excess
Leave to cure for around 15 minutes on a cold day, buff to a high gloss with the red finishing cloth supplied, turning it frequently to avoid build-up.

Testing repellency
Very, very good beading on the surface, I would score this at 8 out of 10.

Comments
Impressive!
Looking very good so far for Autoglym, this has the highest beading out of the waxes tested so far.
Application and removal was incredibly easy and smooth. I look forward to seeing how it does in the UV inhibiting.

 

[Marine Reflections]

After a short interlude for Christmas....

Next up on Panel number 6 we have 3M's Scotchgard Marine Wax

What it says on the tin
Exceptional durability & gloss, protection from the suns UV rays, safe for fibreglass, paint & metals, pleasant tropical scent.

Available at
marineindustrial.co.uk

Price
£12.26

Quantity
500ml

Cleaning / correctional qualities
None, stand alone protection product

Preparing the panel
Recommended product to use prior to the protection would be Finesse it II

On opening
A plastic bottle with dispensing lid

Contents
Creamy, smells pleasant, indeed tropical scent.

Application
Using a foam applicator pad or cloth, apply evenly in a light circular motion.

Removing excess
Leave to cure for around 5 minutes, then buff.

Testing repellency
Not bad, considering this isn't a beading application and more focussed around UV, I would put the repellency at 5 out of 10.

Comments
Easy to apply and buff off.

 

[Marine Reflections]

On Panel number 7 we have Meguiar's Flagship Marine Wax.

What it says on the tin
Long lasting durable protection. Dramatically enriches colour and shine, removes light oxidation, fine scratches and swirls, protects surfaces from UV damage.

Available at
Meguiars.co.uk

Price
£17.50

Quantity
473ml

Cleaning / correctional qualities
Slight correctional ability claimed. 'removes light oxidation'.

Preparing the panel
Boat / RV gel wash

On opening
A plastic bottle with flip top lid

Contents
Creamy liquid, smells a bit like some laundry detergents to me, but quite pleasant.

Application
Apply using a applicator pad or 100% cotton terry cloth towel, an even thin coat.

Removing excess
Remove / buff with microfibre after a few minutes

Testing repellency
Very good, I would rate the repellency at 5 out of 10

Comments
Easy to apply and remove, but I doubt it would remove light oxidation as it claimed. A protection only product.

 

[Marine Reflections]

On panel number 8 we have Bullet's Hi-shine sealant.

What it says on the tin
Give a brilliant shine to; cars, Motorcycles, RV's, caravans, Boats & aircraft.
Including materials such as; fibreglass Gel-coat, aluminium, wood, glad mirrors, chrome, stainless steel, plastics, vinyls & carbon fibre.

Available at
Bulletpolish.co.uk

Price
£12.89 Inc microfibre and applicator sponge

Quantity
300g

Cleaning / correctional qualities
None, stand alone protection product

Preparing the panel
Recommended product to use prior to the protection would be Bullet cleaner & de-greaser

On opening
A plastic bottle with press flip dispensing lid.

Contents
Creamy liquid, pleasant smell.

Application
Using one of the applicators supplied, apply evenly in a light circular motion.

Removing excess
Leave to cure for around 5 minutes, then buff with supplied microfibre.

Testing repellency
OK beading on the surface, I would score the beading at 4 out of 10.

Comments
Easy to use and able to be applied to multiple surfaces.

 

[Marine Reflections]

On panel number 9 we have Farecla's Profile UV Wax.

What it says on the tin
Shields against UV effects. + instructions for application by hand or machine.

Available at
autopaintsbrighton.co.uk

Price
£21.95

Quantity
1ltr

Cleaning / correctional qualities
None, stand alone protection product

Preparing the panel
Ensure a clean surface.

On opening
A plastic tub with a pop up dispensing lid

Contents
Creamy liquid, smells pleasant, if you remember the bubblegum in the bottom of a screwball, it has the same smell.

Application
Apply evenly in a light circular motion with an applicator sponge.

Removing excess
Leave to cure for around 5 minutes, buff with a finishing cloth / microfibre.

Testing repellency
OK beading, 4 out of 10.

Comments
A big bottle at 1ltr, smells great, interested to see what the UV protection is like.

 

[Marine Reflections]

On panel number 10 we have International's UV Wax Sealer.

What it says on the tin
UV absorbing wax, for ultimate gloss protection. + comprehensive application instructions.

Available at
force4.co.uk

Price
£17.95

Quantity
500ml

Cleaning / correctional qualities
None, stand alone protection product

Preparing the panel
Recommended product to use prior to the protection would be International's super cleaner .

On opening
A plastic bottle with sealed cap and twist cap with restricting dispenser.

Contents
Thin liquid

Application
Quickly apply a thin layer top the surface in small circular motions with a clean dry cloth or applicator.

Removing excess
Once dried buff out with clean cloth or microfibre.

Testing repellency
Very, very good beading on the surface, I would score this 7 out of 10.

Comments
Easy on and off product, very surprised at the level of beading on this sealer.

 

[dslittle]

What a great test. I look forwards to the longer term results.

One additional thing that I would like to know (if possible) is the expected coverage of each product. I know that I am asking how long the string is but very roughly will 500ml of A at £? do 2m2 whereas 100ml of B at £? will do 1m2 or 200g of C at £? will do 3m2.

I hope that makes sense??? Thanks again

 

[Marine Reflections]

What a great test. I look forwards to the longer term results.

One additional thing that I would like to know (if possible) is the expected coverage of each product. I know that I am asking how long the string is but very roughly will 500ml of A at £? do 2m2 whereas 100ml of B at £? will do 1m2 or 200g of C at £? will do 3m2.

I hope that makes sense??? Thanks again

Thanks Looking forward to the longer term results myself.

I certainly appreciate what you are asking.
Some of the products, despite being 30ml might cover 30ft of topsides, yet 300ml of another might struggle to cover the same.

I'm afraid though that expected coverage I think would be a real challenge to work out with any degree of accuracy.

Just taking one of the variables such as surface condition into account, 100ml of product 'A' might cover 40ft of a perfect finish but only 20ft of a lesser finish that wasn't as smooth.

By the same token, 100ml of product 'A' might cover an area of 30ft, but only last a month, by comparison another might last for 3 yrs.
So even if we managed to work out coverage, I'm not sure it would be of benefit as it would when say working out the coverage of a paint coating etc.

Of course if planning on covering 30ft or 300ft, one would need coverage info to hand.

I will think some more on it and see if we can't work something out or offer a guide to it's expected / average coverage.

 

[John100156]

I'm certainly watching this thread with great interest and appreciate all of the effort expended, thanks for undertaking it, it should yield sufficiently good results to benefit us all and of course the most successful product(s) manufacturer(s) in due course....

 

[Marine Reflections]

Thank you!

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Mods ... could you make this one a sticky please?

 

[thinwater]

I'm currently doing a project like this (clear vinyl windows) for a US sailing magazine. Several thoughts:

* It really gets to be a grind after a few years.
* After 3 years, the untreated control is in the best condition (fewer scratches). There has also been no yellowing or degradation of the control vs samples stored in a dark cupboard.
* Beading has little correlation to oxygen or moisture exclusion. Neither does gloss (uncoated samples will fog in the rain if the product does not block water, but this does not correlate with beading or gloss).
* The act of polishing will remove surface deterioration. For the outdoor control to be valid, you would have to polish it at the same frequency with something inert.

Thus, there is little chance you will see any actual evidence of deterioration for more than 5 years. You may see differences, but they will be surface and will not relate to protection of the gel coat. Vinyl is a much more fragile product, and so far, simply hosing it off seems to be the best maintenance strategy. Benign neglect.

 

[bigwow]

What a great test. I look forwards to the longer term results.

One additional thing that I would like to know (if possible) is the expected coverage of each product. I know that I am asking how long the string is but very roughly will 500ml of A at £? do 2m2 whereas 100ml of B at £? will do 1m2 or 200g of C at £? will do 3m2.

I hope that makes sense??? Thanks again

I've been using a tin of Fleetwax for the last 4 years! looks like it will last forever:encouragement:

 

[Marine Reflections]

I'm currently doing a project like this (clear vinyl windows) for a US sailing magazine. Several thoughts:

* It really gets to be a grind after a few years.
* After 3 years, the untreated control is in the best condition (fewer scratches). There has also been no yellowing or degradation of the control vs samples stored in a dark cupboard.
* Beading has little correlation to oxygen or moisture exclusion. Neither does gloss (uncoated samples will fog in the rain if the product does not block water, but this does not correlate with beading or gloss).
* The act of polishing will remove surface deterioration. For the outdoor control to be valid, you would have to polish it at the same frequency with something inert.

Thus, there is little chance you will see any actual evidence of deterioration for more than 5 years. You may see differences, but they will be surface and will not relate to protection of the gel coat. Vinyl is a much more fragile product, and so far, simply hosing it off seems to be the best maintenance strategy. Benign neglect.

Firstly apologies everyone for the short delay in the test - my partner and daughter invaded my project space and replaced it with a giant Christmas tree! The cheek!
Hope to have the panels completed this week and set them free to the big outdoors.


Thinwater, that sounds an interesting test, do you have a link to the work or a blog perhaps? I would be interested in following you on that.

Just a few thought on it:
Vinyl and gel coat are two completely different animals and I understand your issues and the potential problems with testing various products on such a material.

"uncoated samples will fog in the rain if the product does not block water"
Yes, and for this reason alone it governs the approach on what products will work at protecting and what will degrade the material faster.

If one was to sandwich the vinyl between two sheets of glass and seal the edges, I doubt moisture would be an issue. This is in effect what we are attempting to do with an application product, though vinyl and gel coat are chalk and cheese.

With vinyl, the degradation (IMHO) comes from the application of products where the main active ingredient has been broken down with petroleum distillates in order for it to be applied.

These petroleum distillates are accepted easily into the material as indeed the water and moisture are and will accelerate the breakdown of the vinyl much faster than an the un-treated.

So we would assume from this that your un-treated control would fair better than the treated.

If however you had a product that was capable of sealing off to oxygen / moisture but didn't contain breakdown ingredients, then you would have a superior protection product for vinyl.


Gel coat does accept water and moisture, although this is usually whilst up against water for long periods, the membrane is much tighter and osmosis will take some time compared to vinyl.



The relevance of gloss and beading:

Gloss is simple a measure of what is going on at the surface level, we needn't wait until the entire depth of a material is compromised, we just look at the surface.

The beading gives us a visual aid to coverage on that invisible layer of glass we applied to seal off from oxygen / inhibit UV.

Beading or surface tension has far more important qualities and roles to play than this, but the ability to see when the protection has been exhausted is a good visual aid.

Would be interested to know what products you are using in the test?


Tony