Waxing a Painted Hull??

[nortface]

Back in June we finished painting our hull with Pettit Easypoxy paint. It's starting to look like it could use a waxing, but was wondering if any one has any recommended wax product that wouldn't hurt the paint finish? Can an electric buffer be used?<br /><br />Contacted Pettit direct and their answer was "You can use any good quality wax". Not sure I feel comfortable with that response...<br /><br />George

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Waxing a Painted Hull??

They're pretty much right. Some waxes are better than others, but Nobody makes bad wax. <br /><br />With the paint being that fresh, you won't need a 'cleaner wax'. They have a little bump of fine rubbing compound on them to scour off grud and oxidized paint.<br /><br />Car wax, just like Whiskey, cigars, cars, steaks, green beans, or most everything else, its a 'get what you pay for' industry. Get a premium wax from a well known company, and you'll be fine.

 

[petrolhead]

Re: Waxing a Painted Hull??

My favourite is 3M's Marine Paste Wax, not cheap but it works really well, and being a solid paste a little goes a very long way.

 

[nortface]

Re: Waxing a Painted Hull??

Thank you, gents! This site truly is very helpful!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Waxing a Painted Hull??

For a new finish like you have an orbital polisher would be great.A rotary wont be necessary because you dont need the rpms and there is a chance of burning the paint with that type.I would recommend starting with a good cleaner or boat wash.Charlie

 

[tgkBarney]

Re: Waxing a Painted Hull??

I've been told a good carnuba (sp?) wax is best...

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Waxing a Painted Hull??

Paint usually requires a silicone based wax for maximum protection.I would check with the paint manufacturer if you want the absolute best.I cant say you can ever go wrong with carnuba.Charlie

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Waxing a Painted Hull??

Just received the new issue of Powerboat Reports. The results of their year-long evaluation of waxes is in there. Bottom line: Collinite No. 885 paste wax is the best of the 26 waxes tested. Poli-Glow and West Marine Teflon did well as non-paste waxes, but not as well as a half-dozen other pastes.

 

[nortface]

Re: Waxing a Painted Hull??

18rabbit,<br /><br />Is there a link to that article?<br /><br />George

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Waxing a Painted Hull??

www.powerboat-reports.com<br /><br />You can read the first couple paragraphs but will need to sign up for the free 15-day trail to read beyond that, then cancel.<br /><br />PBR (and sister publication Sailboat Reports) are like Consumer Reports but for boating. It is worth subscribing to.<br /><br />"If done once a year in the northern climes, or every six months in the tropics, a wax like Collinite can keep gelcoat looking like new for a dozen or more years."