7.1 Cleaning and maintaining the gelcoat surface

The gelcoat surface of the boat is subjected to environmental conditions which can, under certain circumstances, lead to deterioration of the surface. Overtime, these external factors such as saltwater, high UV exposure and temperature variation, can have an effect on the gelcoat surface.

Generally, gelcoat should last 3 years without showing any significant signs of yellowing, chalking, or other deterioration in typical conditions.

Clean and maintain regularly all the gelcoat surfaces on the boat.

If the regular cleaning and maintenance is neglected, or if the boat is exposed to certain environmental conditions where it is berthed,  deterioration of the surface finish such as fading, discoloration and brittles may become visible over time.

  • Wash and clean the boat after every trip, and weekly if it is stored outside uncovered.

  • Wax the boat twice a year if used all year, otherwise annually.

  • Inspect the gelcoat surface annually for signs of deterioration, such as brittle surfaces or changed color tones.

  • Small scatches or discolorations can be fixed by buffing or polishing.

  • Severe scratches, discoloration or oxidation may require wet sanding before buffing, polishing and vaxing.

    Wet sanding is recommended to be performed by  dealer or a trained professional.

  • When the boat is not in use, keep the gelcoat surface out of the sun or cover the boat with a canvas tarpaulin.

    Do not use plastic or other non-porous materials, which can trap moisture between the cover and the surface.

Washing

Use a cleaning product specially made for boats. Do not use household cleaning products, clorine, acids or similar as they may damage the boat surface due to their improper pH value.

Wash the boat after every trip by using a mild cleaning product. Dilute the cleaning product with fresh water according to the instructions on the product label.

  1. Rinse the deck and hull with fresh water to remove loose dirt.

  2. Wash the surfaces with the diluted cleaning product and a soft-bristled brush.

  3. Rinse off with fresh water.

Waxing

Waxing the gelcoat surface restores gloss and protects the finish. Only use wax recommended for gelcoat, and follow the product instructions carefully.

Wax can either be applied by hand using a clean rag, or with an orbital-motion buffing machine.

If using a buffing machine, do not exceed the speed of 1200 rpm. Using a higher speed may burn the gelcoat.

Do not wax a gelcoat surface in direct sunlight.

  1. Apply wax and wait for a few minutes until the wax looks dry.

  2. Buff the wax either by hand using a clean rag, or by using a buffing machine.

    Buff in circular motions until the surface is clean and glossy.

  3. Finish by wiping the potential wax residues off with a clean rag.

Polishing and buffing

Small scratches or discolorations can be fixed by polishing and buffing the boat. If the surface has severe discoloration or oxidation, wet sanding is recommended before polishing and buffing.

  • Polishing compounds remove small scratches and discolorations.

  • Buffing compounds contain abrasive and remove deeper scratches or oxidation.

    Buffing compounds can be used, for example, to remove scratches on the hull caused by the fenders.

  • After using the buffing compound, use polishing compound to achieve the best possible finish.

  • Follow the product instructions of the compound carefully.

Polishing and buffing compounds can either be applied by hand usign a clean rag, or with an orbital-motion buffing machine with a polishing pad.

When using a buffing machine, do not exceed the speed of 1200 rpm. Using a higher speed may burn the gelcoat.

Do not polish or buff a gelcoat surface in direct sunlight.

  1. Apply polishing or buffing compound on the surface and wait for a few minutes until the compound looks dry.

  2. Polish or buff the compound either by hand using a clean rag, or by using a buffing machine with a polishing pad.

    Buff in circular motions until the surface is glossy.

  3. Wax the surface.

Wet sanding

Wet sanding is recommended to be performed by  dealer or a trained professional.

Severe scratches, discoloration or oxidation of the gelcoat surface may require wet sanding. Wet sanding can be done either by hand or by using a machine.

When using a machine, do not exceed the speed of 1200 rpm.

Using a higher speed may burn the gelcoat.

Do not wet sand a gelcoat surface in direct sunlight.

  1. Spray water to the area that needs to be sanded.

    Keep the surface continuously moist while sanding.

  2. Sand the surface with a 1000 grit sandpaper (for example Mirka Abralon).

    If you use a machine, use a low rpm speed to get the best result.

    Keep sanding until the entire surface is equally matt.

  3. Sand the surface with a finer 1400 grit sandpaper.

  4. Sand the surface once more with an even finer-grit sandpaper.

    This saves time in the buffing and polishing stage.

  5. After sanding, when the surface looks equally matt, rinse the surface with fresh water and allow to dry.

  6. Buff and polish the surface to get the gloss back.

  7. Wax the surface.