Some of the most common questions in boating forums have to do with washing and waxing our boats. This topic often triggers a lot of debate when it comes to products and processes. I recently came across a flow chart on Autogeek.com called “ABC’s of Paint Restoration”. The process of automobile paint care is similar to gelcoat care but there are some differences. I decided to use that guide as inspiration and created the attached flow chart called the “ABC’s of Gelcoat Restoration.” Downloadable PDF
Here's a list of my favorite products and supplies...I generally stick with Meguiar's products except for the finishing polish. WASHING I use Meguiar's M4364 Marine/RV Boat Wash. I trailer my boat and wash it once a week....in addition to drying off at the boat ramp at the end of the day. It cleans very well, has good suds and smells good. It won't remove your wax the way dish soap will. If you have non-skid areas, you will want to use Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner with PTEF. Use this with a medium bristle brush and it's hand's down the best way to clean your non-skid. Boat Wash: https://amzn.to/2Jc4h1q Non-Skid Cleaner: https://amzn.to/2PICQOh COMPOUNDING The red stripes on my boat tend to oxidize pretty bad as well as my transom. For these areas I use Meguiar's M4916 Marine/RV Heavy Duty Oxidation Remover. After I remove the oxidation, I hit the stripes with Meguiar's M4416 Marine/RV Color Restorer. Oxidation Remover: https://amzn.to/2Vbdui0 Color Restorer: https://amzn.to/2GZhXvf FINISHING POLISH For polishing to a deep shine with great UV protection, I think Star Brite Premium Marine Polish with PTEF is the best. Easy to apply and remove and leaves a deep mirror shine. https://amzn.to/2LhtF8D WAXING Finally, for the final layer of protection, I apply Meguiar's M6332 Flagship Premium Marine Wax. This wax deepens the mirror shine that the Star Brite polish gives and it seals it in with a layer wax. In the northern climates, this will last me all season. https://amzn.to/2Y5gHN6 THE POLISHER Finally, I use the PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-Inch Variable-Speed Polisher to apply all of these products. This polisher is super easy to handle and it's a random orbital buffer so it's less likely you will damage your gelcoat the way you can with a straight rotary buffer. I think the rotary is a better tool overall for polishing but, you can cause some bad damage by burning the gelcoat if you're not careful. This polisher gives a great finish and is your best bet if don't want to use a rotary. https://amzn.to/2ZWGY1U
