Waxing a Boat

Step Three in our Series, Boat Care 101: Waxing a Boat

See Step One: Washing a Boat

See Step Two: Polishing a Boat

Boat Wax

Waxing your boat is essential to maintaining the color, shine, and integrity of a gel coat finish. Marine waxes are very durable in order to stand up salt water, algae, and the sun. Boat wax also makes regular cleaning easier and can make it harder for grime to stick to waxed surfaces. To prevent oxidation and fading, boat wax is a must.

Collinite Fiberglass Boat Wax #925 is proven to stand up to harsh environments. It withstands scrubbing, scuffing, detergents, salt water and marine organisms all year long. Collinite is a favorite among boat owners.

Nautical Liquid Glass Polish/Finish is an ultra-durable choice for boat protection. Nautical Liquid Glass Polish/Finish creates a hard, glassy finish that will not crack, chip, peel, or turn yellow. Apply Liquid Glass every 6-12 months to maintain the optimum level of protection, especially with frequent salt water boating.

Again, an orbital polisher is going to be a huge asset when waxing a boat. Spread on the wax evenly with a soft foam buffing pad. You can then use a microfiber bonnet on the polisher to buff off the wax.

Polish and Wax In One

Because detailing a boat is a big job, many manufacturers have combined the polishing and protecting steps into single-step products. By tackling two jobs at once, you’ll save time and still get fantastic results.

Meguiars Mirror Glaze #50 Marine/RV Cleaner Wax is a great choice for restoring the color and shine to fiberglass.

3M makes two cleaner wax options: 3M Marine Restorer & Wax is designed for boats with heavy oxidation while 3M Marine Cleaner & Wax contains a milder polish for lightly oxidized boats.

Duragloss Marine RV Polish #501 is another great polish/sealant choice for fiberglass boats. Its protective coating reduces algae growth!

Just like with polishing, you’ll find it faster and easier to apply a marine cleaner wax with a polisher and a polishing pad.? The pay-off of one step products is that once you’re done, you’re done. Sit back and relax!

New to Detailing?

Visit Autogeek University, our online resource for detailers. Here you?ll find guides on everything from glass cleaning to swirl removal. We explain each process step by step and suggest products to help you get the best results. Plus, you?ll learn tips that will help you succeed. For example, did you know products are easier to apply with a polisher if you mist the pad first with a quick detailer or a pad conditioner? You can also learn how to tell if your aluminum wheels have a coating. Autogeek?s detailing guides provide a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Winterizing Your Car?s Exterior

Car Wax & Paint Sealant Application Techniques

Carnauba Car Wax vs. Paint Sealants

Proper Car Washing & Drying Techniques

How to Use Auto Detailing Clay

Interior Cleaning and Conditioning How-To

How to Care for Leather

Circular/ Rotary Polisher Guide

Dual Action Orbital Polisher Guide

How to Remove Bugs and Tar

Glass Cleaning Facts & Tips

Proper Care of Trim & Molding

How to Detail Wheels & Tires

How to Polish Metal

How to Care for Your Convertible Top

Klasse Application Guide

How To Care For Microfiber

Headlight Lens Restoration Guide

Engine Detailing How-To

Happy Valentine's Day! Show your vehicle some love!

Yes, it is snowing outside so you’re probably not going to do a full detail, but there are some things you can do to help your car look the best it can given the circumstances.

 

1. If you have access to a garage, you can clean your car. It’s a good idea because road salt is brutal on paint and metal. Use a rinseless wash, like DP Rinseless Wash & Gloss or Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine. Both require just a gallon or two of water and do not need to be rinsed off. If you use them outside, just make sure the temperature is above freezing!

 

2. Protect rubber weatherstripping. Cold temperatures cause rubber door seals to dry out, crack, and even freeze. You can prevent this with a product like Wurth Rubber Care Gel Stick. This product protects the rubber and it also prevents freezing. You’ll like that feature when you need to get into your car and out of the cold.

 

3. For the windshield, use Glass Science Ultra Clean Windshield Wash Concentrate. It cleans the glass and, at higher dilutions, keeps the washer fluid from freezing in the tank.

 

4. Just because it’s a winter wonderland outside your vehicle, that doesn’t mean the inside can’t be clean and cozy. Get some rubber floor mats to protect the carpet. WeatherTech FloorLiners provide great coverage to catch snow and slush. Cover the seats with Sheepskin Seat Covers. They provide a soft, warm place to sit when the world outside is cold and uninviting.

 

Just remember, Spring is right around the corner! There are perfect detailing days ahead.