Spring Time Waxing

B

bbwhitejr

Well-Known Member
Apr 14, 2013
4,307
Lake Lanier GA
Boat Info
2003 420DA, 6CTAs
Engines
NA
At the Atlanta Boat Show, I stopped in and listened to a seminar on cleaning, waxing, etc. The guy said to remove all wax in the spring with something like Dawn. Then start over with compound, if necessary, polish, and wax. He also said, after compounding, to wash with Dawn again before polilsh and wax. He stated that washing after compounding would remove any buildup from the fiberglass pores.

I never realized that it was necessary to remove last year's wax before starting over. I thought that washing with a non-wax-removing boat wash and then polish and wax would be the thing to do.

Any opinions?

Thanks,
Bennett
 
Do the least amount of compounding you need to. Think of compounding as sanding - every time you do it, you remove a little bit of gelcoat. Compounding is only necessary if the gelcoat has been oxidized -- which basically causes craters in the gelcoat... which is why it doesn't look shiny - sort of like the difference between a super calm day on the water (glass) and day with a slight wind. Although it's hard to completely eliminate oxidizing with a boat that is outside all the time, the better you keep up with your wax, the less likely you are to have oxidizing.

If you're happy with the condition of the gelcoat, give it a good wash, polish (if needed) & wax and then go boating.
 
Oh... by chance was there product being sold at this seminar?
 
So seeing that I wash my boat every weekend with Dawn dish soap , I believe I need to make a change seeing that it strips the wax off each time ..... Anybody got any ideas for washing detergent


Boltman
 
boltman said:
So seeing that I wash my boat every weekend with Dawn dish soap , I believe I need to make a change seeing that it strips the wax off each time ..... Anybody got any ideas for washing detergent


Boltman[/QUOTE

I believe that any good "non wax stripping" boat wash is good. I happen to like the stuff Meguire's makes. Dawn does strip wax so I read on here.

Bennett
Click to expand...
 
I use starbrite to wash the boat every weekend.it still shines in the fall.I also amuseing a medium presta cxompound this year then malco bananna cream wax.The wax lasted all season up here and is in good enough condition i could have skipped the light compounding.The presta breaks down and becomes polish as you work it in so no extra steps.
 
The detailers at our dealership will wash every boat with dawn before they start to polish and wax. Think of your gelcoat like skin it has pours and if you don't clean them out you will get a build up of wax and dirt in them. This will (over time) make it harder to get the gelcoat to shine.
 
Usually most all wax is really gone before another year starts. The sun pretty much bakes it off during the year. It would never hurt to clean with dawn to get the boat absolutely clean prior to doing any buffing or waxing.

For a boat soap, I absolutley love the green orpine wash and wax. I have used literally everything and this stuff is the best by far. If you have a freshly waxed boat, this will prolong that wax better than anything else.
 
I go the the "Dollar Store" or "Big Lots". They always have an automotive section. I buy a 32 oz. bottle of combination Carwash/Wax for about $3.00. Its always a brand like Turtle or Rain Dance. I just picked up a bottle made by Meguiars (ultimate wash and Wax) 48 oz. for $3.99 at the Dollar store a few days ago.
Anyway, ...if I take the time to dry the boat it looks like I just waxed it.

No more boats with a dark blue hull boats for me, especially on a lake high in calcium like we have!



[h=1][/h]
 
We have a Pro do above the rub rail in our heated storage. We take our time and mimic their process for the hull. Here it goes- #1 wipe all surfaces with 3M Sharpshooter cleaner changing out towels frequently. This is a no wash product. It removes wax and hard water spots. #2 do a light buff as needed with Malco buff lite II or 3M Finesse on any dull surface. #3 Crystal Boat soap, we wash the boat and squeegee / towel dry so no water spots. #4 Collinte #885 paste wax- this is a thick paste wax. Only do 4’ x4’ areas at a time. For the easiest application , first dampen the pad, then apply conservative even amount by machine. Use clean Microfiber Towel to buff off the wax before it dries. DO NOT LET IT DRY! It is a ***** to get off if it dries. You will have to re-apply the area. #5 Crystal Boat soap, just a quick wash to clean up the dust and dry off. While we are pretty anal about the gel coat. We enjoy peoples comment on our new ( 9 year Old ) boat.
 
bbwhitejr said:
At the Atlanta Boat Show, I stopped in and listened to a seminar on cleaning, waxing, etc. The guy said to remove all wax in the spring with something like Dawn. Then start over with compound, if necessary, polish, and wax. He also said, after compounding, to wash with Dawn again before polilsh and wax. He stated that washing after compounding would remove any buildup from the fiberglass pores.

I never realized that it was necessary to remove last year's wax before starting over. I thought that washing with a non-wax-removing boat wash and then polish and wax would be the thing to do.

Any opinions?

Thanks,
Bennett
Click to expand...


uh...no way i'm going thru all that mess every year....I use this

http://www.amazon.com/Woody-Wax-Boa...UTF8&qid=1424542430&sr=8-4&keywords=woody+wax


works great
 
Cleaner wax combined first then coat of wax on sides. Top same process. No one strips the wax off their car before waxing. I know a car is painted although paint is porous to.
 
Been detailing cars that way for many years. If I am going to polish the finish, I always start with a Dawn wash. I do the same with the boat. Dawn does a great job removing wax. Caution though: Repeated frequent use will dry out any rubber weather stripping, or other rubber pieces over time.
It's important to remember though that you should always use the absolute least aggressive method needed to correct the finish you are working on. Once a car, or boat is in pretty good shape, there is usually little reason to use a compound every year. Usually a good mild polish will be all that you need.
After you polish the surface, always remember to top it off with either a wax or synthetic sealant for protection.
 
boltman said:
So seeing that I wash my boat every weekend with Dawn dish soap , I believe I need to make a change seeing that it strips the wax off each time ..... Anybody got any ideas for washing detergent


Boltman
Click to expand...

I swear by this stuff....Mermaids Boat Wash is a mild wash and wax formula that leaves a water-beading shine after every use. It is a maintnenance wash that will help prolong and renew prevously waxed surfaces. It contains a concentrated, low-sudsing, biodegradable soap formula that is pH neutral. For more than just a

https://www.fisheriessupply.com/mermaids-cleaning-boat-wash-with-carnauba-wax-concentrated
 
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