Their differences may be in the labeling and what market application the manufacturers are seeking. In many ways they all look, feel, and smell the same. Practical Sailor tested UVA and UVB absorption among a handful of waxes claiming UV protection and no product, even when applied in a thick film, absorbed a significant percentage of these rays. The primary goal of a wax is to protect the top layers of gelcoat that already contain UV-protection agents. Some waxes do contain UV-protection agents, but the amount of UV protection that a microscopically thin layer of wax can provide is limited. These are for the finishing step and are for surfaces that are in good shape. In general, as with the paste waxes, these liquid products are meant to be applied after the compounding and buffing steps, if needed. We looked for products that were easy to apply and create that sought-after mirror finish on the sides and decks of our sailboats. All claim to provide a high gloss or the surface ability to reflect light. We intended to test only finish waxes, but several are multi-purpose polishes with cleaning agents. We left out some that rated poorly in previous tests. With an ever-growing number of products on the market, Practical Sailor settled on 26 liquid products from 21 manufacturers that were advertised or recommended as boat and car waxes, polishes, or finish applications. In this issue, we are addressing liquid waxes and sealants to use for the final step in obtaining the ultimate hard, glossy finish after the rubbing compound, fillers and polishes have been applied. (If oxidation has already started, you will need a rubbing compound, but all this will be covered in a future article.) Start with a good marine sealant and polish, preferably one of the new synthetic polymer-based types. A bright showroom shine or long-term protection? What is your location, and how is the boat used? A formula high in carnauba wax may be best for a short-term brilliant shine, but one with a hard polymer or glass-like coat and UV inhibitors may have the best long-term protection.Įven brand new boats need to have the gelcoat sealed and protected from the elements. In choosing which product is best for your boat, first decide what result you are looking for. In our perennial quest for a glossy boat exterior, we have expanded our tests to include a long list of waxes and polishes now sold in bottles. In the February 2009 issue of Practical Sailor, we reviewed paste waxes, those harder compounds normally sold in cans or tubs.
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