Wax Recommendation

[390x]

I've used the 925, but I've not found it to hold up for the whole season. Nothing does. Because nothing does, I use waxes which are cheaper and easier to come by (Meguiars). If I have to do it at least twice anyway, I might as well save some coin on it too.

 

[searay40dad]

I can tell you several if not most of the Sea Rays big or small at our marina use Collinite and most only wax once per year. Now, we're in the midwest and most of us are under covered slips so that obviously helps. Most do not use the 925 liquid wax though. I've tried it and I don't think it lasts as long at 885 paste wax. They apply the 920 Cleaner which not only restores shine, removes blemishes but importantly preps the surface for the wax application. It bonds with the wax that helps its durability. The downside is, Collinite isn't cheap and it takes work to apply. 885 is $22/can and the pre-cleaner is $8-10 bottle.

It's literature says "For the detailer in search of less frequent wax applications, the No. 885 provides the ultimate in Collinite staying power. Provides a shine that’s unmistakably carnauba with durability that rivals even that of leading sealants. Long-lasting protection guards against UV, salt spray, marine growth, stains etc.". The 925 literatures says "For those in search of glistening fiberglass and lasting protection without the elbow grease of a paste wax."

If the glass is clean and prep'd, probably most any marine wax will shine and protect. Doubt if you can go wrong with a mequiars, 3M, or starbright product. Its all personal preference. The key is to just wax 'em regularly and not wash the boats with a soap that strips the protection off. Woody wax boat soap is a great product to help sustain the protection.

 

[Sous]

... so would the 920 be both the compound and polish step? Assuming of course you're not dealing with a totally trashed gel coat. So wash, 920, 885?

 

[Tonka Boater]

Another thing to consider with wax vs. polish is that wax has a melting point of about 125 degrees vs. synthetic polish at 365 degrees (roughly for both). The top side of a boat doesn't necessarily get that hot (compared to the metal hood of a car) but you can imagine the effect of direct sunlight on wax vs. polish on your boat. In most cases polishes are more durable, offer more protection and will last longer than wax.

 

[Sum Escape]

... so would the 920 be both the compound and polish step? Assuming of course you're not dealing with a totally trashed gel coat. So wash, 920, 885?

Assuming no oxidation...(if oxidized, you will need some compound or polish first) try this. 1) Vinegar wash (50/50 with water...takes off water spots and other deposits), 2) 920, 3) 885. You won't be disappointed.

 

[HIFI]

Anyone ever tried any of the Zaino Brothers products? They are top notch on cars... haven't tried on fiberglass though.

I have used Zaino for nine years on boat. Like others I have tried a bunch of stuff and settled on Zaino with ZFX as my final finish. I have had such good results I don't think I would even attempt a change. A test maybe but no change.

 

[cod]

Steve,

Are you happy with Collinites # 925 results? Do you have to re-apply the wax any other time during the season?

Alex,
I am very happy with it...... I do apply it topside during the summer, doing sections at a time. Not necessarily needed but Because its a sickness I have.......I can't help myself.......

 

[390x]

Presta has a new wax this year "Marine UV Creme Wax". Their compounds are so good that I'll have to try this wax. I guess we'll see.

 

[JimFromMD]

I have used Zaino for nine years on boat. Like others I have tried a bunch of stuff and settled on Zaino with ZFX as my final finish. I have had such good results I don't think I would even attempt a change. A test maybe but no change.

HIFI,
Thanks for the info. Which products do you use and in what order? Any application tips/tricks? Also do you have a white hull or colored?

Thanks
James

 

[Escapade]

COD-

I too share this sickness. The upside... people asking if your boat is New just feeds the habit.

 

[HIFI]

HIFI,
Thanks for the info. Which products do you use and in what order? Any application tips/tricks? Also do you have a white hull or colored?

Thanks
James

I have a White Gel top and bottom. I use Zaino Z3 with ZFX Accelerator. Use Zaino Z5 and ZFX on dark hull.

My routine is an annual Zaino Z3/ZFX coverage with follow up all season using Zaino Z6 Gloss Enhancer. I also wash boat with water or water and a little Zaino Z7 Wash. I try to use as little soap as possible all year as the soap washes off my final finish.

When I took over ownership I washed and stripped gel coat as complete as possible.

I then machine compounded all topsides including non-skid surfaces using a diminishing value compound and wool pads. I like the wool cutting pads for this job as the wool pads clean pretty good during use. Working every 2-3 square feet at a time and spurring pad every new square area to work. My hull did not need compounded so that saved me much work. Once all compounding was finished I mixed up a strong bath of Dawn dishwashing detergent and water and washed entire boat to remove all residues of compounds including the oils that are left over. This really exposed the gel for my next step and that was polishing entire boat including hull surfaces.

My polishing step included machining 3M Finesse-It II Glaze into all gel using foam Waffle Polishing pads. I like the foam Waffle Polishing pads as they are a little forgiving in the higher speed polishing efforts. I used four pads in this step as the non skid was not very forgiving. At this point the gel is like new glass . . . everywhere. I then mixed another strong bath of Dawn and washed every bit of residual material off all gel coat. This Final Wash Is Important Here If You Want The Best Success With Next Step.

My final finish is a hand application of Zaino Z3 with ZFX following the application, dry time, removal directions from Zaino. This is a synthetic product that is optically correct and hard once cured. It will not stick to polishing oils so a good bath first. Two applications to all Top Side surfaces and one application to Hull surfaces. I also follow up with a product from Aurora called Sure-Step for Non-Skid surfaces.

I did all the work myself with rest days for my arms in-between steps. Today I have no need for compounding as I have stayed after boat and I am stored under roof top. I will polish about every third/fourth year. Zaino every year with seasonal fresh ups as mentioned earlier and all looks new.

James, I hope this helps you and thanks for asking.

 

[bmac]

I used to use Meguiars and switched to the 3M suite of cleaners and waxes. My experience is the 3M stuff is easy to use and holds up pretty well, though at six months my horizontal surfaces can use a touch up. My hull lasts the entire season.

 

[HIFI]

I used to use Meguiars and switched to the 3M suite of cleaners and waxes. My experience is the 3M stuff is easy to use and holds up pretty well, though at six months my horizontal surfaces can use a touch up. My hull lasts the entire season.

Brian, if you are using 3M wax as your final finish you may consider 3M Quick Wax 39034 to keep things fresh topside and extend beauty and protection deeper into season. If you have moved into 3m's Synthetic Wax there are plenty of options in quick detail sauces that will extend protection. Just a thought.

 

[bmac]

Brian, if you are using 3M wax as your final finish you may consider 3M Quick Wax 39034 to keep things fresh topside and extend beauty and protection deeper into season. If you have moved into 3m's Synthetic Wax there are plenty of options in quick detail sauces that will extend protection. Just a thought.

That's helpful, thanks, I'll have to ty that this season. Using a wheel on the forward deck (not on the non-skid) is a pain in the knees and back!!!

 

[mrclark321]

LOL....you guys are killing me, picked up some Buff Magic last week, tonight I ordered the Makita 9227CX3 kit. I have some polish but think I am going to try the Collinite 925 to finish things off and not to mention a bottle of Advil for the pain I will be in after being so anal about getting a good shine.

 

[mrclark321]

That's helpful, thanks, I'll have to ty that this season. Using a wheel on the forward deck (not on the non-skid) is a pain in the knees and back!!!

Brian that stainless windshield sure looks nice, is that a Yorkie starring at you?

 

[bmac]

Brian that stainless windshield sure looks nice, is that a Yorkie starring at you?

The stainless windshield is HIFI's....I would imagine the Yorkie is too.

 

[craigwitt]

The Collinite is AWESOME. And easy on, easy off.

 

[searay40dad]

The Collinite is AWESOME. And easy on, easy off.

You wuss'd out and put the liquid wax on didn't you? C'mon, fess up!

 

[wakeup 19]

I have a White Gel top and bottom. I use Zaino Z3 with ZFX Accelerator. Use Zaino Z5 and ZFX on dark hull.

My routine is an annual Zaino Z3/ZFX coverage with follow up all season using Zaino Z6 Gloss Enhancer. I also wash boat with water or water and a little Zaino Z7 Wash. I try to use as little soap as possible all year as the soap washes off my final finish.

When I took over ownership I washed and stripped gel coat as complete as possible.

I then machine compounded all topsides including non-skid surfaces using a diminishing value compound and wool pads. I like the wool cutting pads for this job as the wool pads clean pretty good during use. Working every 2-3 square feet at a time and spurring pad every new square area to work. My hull did not need compounded so that saved me much work. Once all compounding was finished I mixed up a strong bath of Dawn dishwashing detergent and water and washed entire boat to remove all residues of compounds including the oils that are left over. This really exposed the gel for my next step and that was polishing entire boat including hull surfaces.

My polishing step included machining 3M Finesse-It II Glaze into all gel using foam Waffle Polishing pads. I like the foam Waffle Polishing pads as they are a little forgiving in the higher speed polishing efforts. I used four pads in this step as the non skid was not very forgiving. At this point the gel is like new glass . . . everywhere. I then mixed another strong bath of Dawn and washed every bit of residual material off all gel coat. This Final Wash Is Important Here If You Want The Best Success With Next Step.

My final finish is a hand application of Zaino Z3 with ZFX following the application, dry time, removal directions from Zaino. This is a synthetic product that is optically correct and hard once cured. It will not stick to polishing oils so a good bath first. Two applications to all Top Side surfaces and one application to Hull surfaces. I also follow up with a product from Aurora called Sure-Step for Non-Skid surfaces.

I did all the work myself with rest days for my arms in-between steps. Today I have no need for compounding as I have stayed after boat and I am stored under roof top. I will polish about every third/fourth year. Zaino every year with seasonal fresh ups as mentioned earlier and all looks new.

James, I hope this helps you and thanks for asking.

HiFi, I called Zaino today and asked what they recommend for my white 92' hull. I told them I was going to use presta ultra cut to "restore". They recommended All in One then Z5. Sound about right? I saw you polish then wash off, they said it wasn't needed. YOu agreee? Good post I apprectiated it. I have been have trouble keeping top sides looking good througout the season so I thought I would try something different. thanks Rob