Today, almost every pleasure boat on the water is made from fiberglass and gelcoat. This is not a coincidence. The fiberglass boats are much easier to make in comparison to the metal boats and the wooden boats. They also weigh less and are long-lasting. With all this said, you cannot buy one until you know how to restore faded fiberglass. This is the main maintenance procedure.
A fiber-reinforced plastic is what is widely referred to as fiberglass. In this case, the fiber cloth is used to give a plastic material extra strength. The strengthened plastic is used to make boats, bathtubs, motorhomes, and pickup truck caps. It is the gelcoat (special resin) normally applied to the fiberglass surface that gives it the smooth and shiny surface. When polishing, it is this gelcoat that is targeted. It is the one prone to fading as a result of oxidation effects of the sun and light.
The restoration process starts with a thorough cleaning. This can be done simply by mixing detergent with water and then use a sponge to wash the surface with the resulting solution. A cup of household bleach is added to aid in removing mildew. In order to remove difficult stains, the direct application of concentrated cleaner that is specifically formulated for fiberglass is the answer.
The first step is often to start by cleaning the surface with the aim of removing tiny particles and any other substances that may affect a good quality finish. This can be done by adding detergent into warm water to form a washing solution. This is followed with a thorough scrubbing of the surface. In order to remove grease and oil, acetone and similar solutions may be used. It is then allowed to dry before the next step can begin.
Different brands have different application procedures, and this is outlined on the label and manuals. The general rule involves applying the wax using a smooth textured cloth in a circular motion. The wax is then allowed to dry before the excess is removed using the same soft cloth. This results in a smooth, shiny and reflective surface.
Fiberglass sealers offer the best results, unlike wax, they are able to penetrate into the gelcoat surface. This makes it possible to seal the microscopic crevices and holes, therefore, preventing any further oxidation. Generally, sealers offer a brighter surface as compared to the wax, offer a harder surface and last for a much longer time.
Wax is widely used and has to be applied regularly for it to be effective. They tend to work well as long as the boat is new. As the boat ages, the wax becomes ineffective given the microscopic crevices and pits that trap air allowing for continued oxidation. It is best applied as the last layer after polishing or other processes.
There is no magic in restoring your beautiful boat or bathtub to its former condition, all you need to know is how to maintain the surface of gelcoat. The sealers, wax, polish and cleaning reagents used must be bought from trusted and well-known manufacturers to avoid fake and ineffective products.
A fiber-reinforced plastic is what is widely referred to as fiberglass. In this case, the fiber cloth is used to give a plastic material extra strength. The strengthened plastic is used to make boats, bathtubs, motorhomes, and pickup truck caps. It is the gelcoat (special resin) normally applied to the fiberglass surface that gives it the smooth and shiny surface. When polishing, it is this gelcoat that is targeted. It is the one prone to fading as a result of oxidation effects of the sun and light.
The restoration process starts with a thorough cleaning. This can be done simply by mixing detergent with water and then use a sponge to wash the surface with the resulting solution. A cup of household bleach is added to aid in removing mildew. In order to remove difficult stains, the direct application of concentrated cleaner that is specifically formulated for fiberglass is the answer.
The first step is often to start by cleaning the surface with the aim of removing tiny particles and any other substances that may affect a good quality finish. This can be done by adding detergent into warm water to form a washing solution. This is followed with a thorough scrubbing of the surface. In order to remove grease and oil, acetone and similar solutions may be used. It is then allowed to dry before the next step can begin.
Different brands have different application procedures, and this is outlined on the label and manuals. The general rule involves applying the wax using a smooth textured cloth in a circular motion. The wax is then allowed to dry before the excess is removed using the same soft cloth. This results in a smooth, shiny and reflective surface.
Fiberglass sealers offer the best results, unlike wax, they are able to penetrate into the gelcoat surface. This makes it possible to seal the microscopic crevices and holes, therefore, preventing any further oxidation. Generally, sealers offer a brighter surface as compared to the wax, offer a harder surface and last for a much longer time.
Wax is widely used and has to be applied regularly for it to be effective. They tend to work well as long as the boat is new. As the boat ages, the wax becomes ineffective given the microscopic crevices and pits that trap air allowing for continued oxidation. It is best applied as the last layer after polishing or other processes.
There is no magic in restoring your beautiful boat or bathtub to its former condition, all you need to know is how to maintain the surface of gelcoat. The sealers, wax, polish and cleaning reagents used must be bought from trusted and well-known manufacturers to avoid fake and ineffective products.
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