Partial wax job baked on

[Someguyincali]

Hi, this is my first post on this forum. I cannot find any posts that address a heavy unfinished wax job.. So please direct me to a post if one exists
We recently bought an old 1987 Four Winns boat. I plan on polishing but first I need to remove what appears to be car wax that was applied and never buffed. So now there are white swirls on the side of the hull. What is the best way of removing that caked up wax without damaging the gel coat?

 

[sphelps]

You may need to wet sand then re-cut and buff the shine back ..
Acetone on a rag might take the wax off also . Might try on a small spot and see ..

 

[Someguyincali]

When you say "recut" do you mean using a heavy abrasive compound?

 

[sphelps]

Yep

 

[zool]

Hey, welcome to Iboats resto forums.

Any wax and grease remover will do the job right, use a 2 rag method, apply with one, wipe off with the other.

There are many brands like Pettit 95, Prepsall, Interlux 202, or most auto paint brands. Other solvents may work, but will likely just swirl it around, W&G remover lifts up wax, grease and contaminates to be easily removed by the second rag.

 

[Scott Danforth]

elbow grease

 

[Woodonglass]

I suspect that it's NOT wax but rather heavily oxidized clear coat or gelcoat. Pics would help us help you.

 

[Someguyincali]

It's definitely wax. You can see the swirl patterns in it overlays on the stripes to.