Part 2: Gelcoat Maintenance
The next step is applying a coat of wax to the surface in order to restore the luster and shine that the coat once had. Keeping your fiberglass gelcoat polished and waxed is the best way to prolong its life and to extend the shine and protection that the substance offers. A gelcoat that is regularly waxed and maintained can hold its shine and protection for 15 years or more. Although wax is designed to protect the surface, it also has restorative powers and can help increase the overall appearance of your boat. Since wax comes in many different shapes and sizes, it’s important to read the instructions and always buff using a cloth or foam pad using a circular motion. The number of coats you decide to put on the surface is entirely up to you.
After you’ve applied a sufficient amount of wax, it is recommended that you use polish to remove the pitted surface of wax. Use a soft cloth to apply polish and rub in a circular motion as you did with the wax. The end result should be a glass-like finish. Apply another coat of wax to protect this surface. If you find your fiberglass extremely weathered and polish unable to restore its luster, try using stronger abrasives to remove the dirt and grease from the surface.
For those looking to save time and perform more regular maintenance on their fiberglass gelcoat, there are tools such as an electric buffer that will cut the time of waxing and polishing in half. There is also what is called restorers which claim to streamline the process of restoring fiberglass gelcoats. Although these do work to a certain extent, different brands have been known to flake and wear off. Some have even been known to discolor on occasion. There are different variations of restorers, but many recommend the same process as listed above.
For those looking to protect their boat from the elements for years to come and maintain the shine of a well maintained boat, protecting the gel coat is absolutely essential. By repeating this process weekly, monthly, or whenever you start to see your gelcoat fading, it is possible to extend the life of the fiberglass gelcoat, and potentially the life of your boat.