The world of boat waxes and polishes can be daunting, especially if you are new to the topic. Today, we’ll introduce the differences between boat waxes and polishes and what to look for when choosing a marine care product.
Why use a marine-grade wax and polish?
The reason why you should consider using a marine-grade wax and polish on your boat’s fiberglass is because of its exterior layer of gel coat that keeps the vessel looking shiny and like-new. Marine-grade waxes and polishes are specifically designed to protect this gel coat surface. Your boat’s gel coat is like a thin, protective layer of skin that is exposed to all the elements that nature throws at it, all of the time. This includes sun exposure, inclement weather, bugs, grime, dirt and debris. Keeping this gel coat surface clean, waxed and polished is essential for the long-term maintenance of your watercraft.
The difference between boat waxes and polishes
Marine-grade waxes and polishes are specifically designed to work with the fiberglass gel coat. This is imperative to the preservation of your boat and to keeping it in like-new condition. Marine-grade waxes and polishes also may contain UV inhibitors that will extend the life of your gel coat. The difference between boat waxes and boat polishes is that polishes fill the microscopic pores in the gel coat surface by filling in those microscopic divots. Waxes, on the other hand, are to be used once this step is complete for a long-lasting shine. With these marine care products from Life Industries your vessel will be perfectly maintained.
What you need to know
Polishes act more like surface prep, so after a thorough cleaning of your boat’s exterior, it is recommended that you apply a polish to the gel coat. BoatLIFE’s PolyShine® Premium Boat Polish does the trick. Not only does it work to shine and protect the gel coat, it also works well on chrome and stainless steel hardware and fittings. This product can be applied by hand or with a buffing machine.
Next, you’ll want to wax your washed and polished gel coat surface. Boat waxes extend the shine and add protection to your gel coat finish. BoatLIFE’s LifeWax® is a long-lasting carnauba wax paste that offers UV protection. Used together with PolyShine, the wax will last up to three years.
For wax that is specifically designed to protect vinyl graphics, choose BoatLIFE’s Graphix Wax®. Solvent-free, it cleans dirt, grime and stains while protecting graphics from harmful UV rays. Never use a wax over your graphics if it contains any petroleum-based solvents.
For damaged gel coat surfaces, BoatLIFE’s Fiberglass Rubbing Compound works wonders to smooth out the surface, remove oxidation and stains, and to prepare the gel coat for waxing.
BoatLIFE is pleased to offer 22% off any online purchase of PolyShine® and LifeWax® for the month of June using discount code JUNE22 at check-out. Restrictions will apply. Please see the offer for full details on our website.
Happy waxing!
