| Determining Oxidation Levels on Your Yacht and | | | | it better to try the easy way first. If this does |
| how to deal with them: | | | | not work, then you will need to proceed with the |
| Gel coat is an extremely tough porous surface | | | | Meguiar's product #49, you'll need to follow with |
| applied to boats. It is best to preserve the original | | | | #45 polish and their #55 sealant. Monster Aqua |
| surface as much as possible just like cars, trucks, | | | | Blue also has a similar product. Many Marine |
| etc. You will come across boats that have been | | | | Industry Detailers prefer Starbrite Products up to |
| improperly sanded, washed, buffed, boats that | | | | level two oxidation. Polish with a polishing pad, |
| have been neglected for years, and boats that will | | | | orbital buffer or by hand. |
| require intensive reconditioning because of these | | | | Level 3 would result in severe oxidation: You'll see |
| flaws. Without question for most boats to look | | | | no reflectivity. The surface is chalky to the touch |
| good requires the touch of a professional. To | | | | and to sight. We do not always recommend a |
| make them look great it is definitely required. | | | | foam pad on severe oxidation gel-coat surfaces |
| First, you must diagnose the level of, if any, | | | | because it heats up and may slip. Gel coat |
| oxidation. Do not be intimidated if there is | | | | conditions such as these will usually require a very |
| absolutely no gloss, and a chalky residue appears | | | | thorough washing, uni-grit sanding of a minimum |
| on your hand if you touch the surface. Even this | | | | of 1500 sandpaper grit, machine buffing with |
| can be redone. Gel coat is tougher than | | | | Meguiar's #49, polishing with Meguiar's #45 and a |
| automotive paint and 15 to 20 times thicker. More | | | | finishing with Meguiar's #55 sealant. If this does |
| often than not, you will be able to machine buff | | | | not work to your complete statisfaction, you |
| out most oxidation and other blemishes. These | | | | should probably paint the vessel. If you are still |
| cloudy surfaces can be remedied and repaired. | | | | intent on saving it then this will require many, |
| Levels of Oxidation | | | | many hours of labor and due to environmental |
| Level 1 or light oxidation: You will see patchy | | | | concerns, may usually only be performed on land |
| cloudiness in the finish. Remainder is good to very | | | | in a controlled setting. If you use Monster |
| good. You can use a new special product called; | | | | Agua-Blue 100, it contains no petroleum products |
| Aussie Gold DuraGleem to remove the oxidation | | | | or silicone and is 100% water based and water |
| and any swirl marks without abrasive action. Or | | | | soluble. This may avoid the hassle of wet sanding. |
| you can do it the hard way, the old fashioned | | | | First try using Monster Agua-Blue 100 and 200 |
| way. In this case you will need to use Meguiar's | | | | buffing compounds with a wool pad. They are like |
| #44, Production’s Bristol #9, Monster Aqua | | | | wet sanding with 1000 grit and 2000 grit sand |
| Blue or an appropriate light compound. Machine | | | | paper. Then follow with Blue Magnum 80% |
| buff with a non-abrasive wool or foam pad and | | | | Carnauba wax or sealant to prolong the finish. |
| apply the sealant by hand or orbital polisher. A | | | | There will be pricing guidelines in the manual or |
| wool pad may be easier than a foam pad to use | | | | you may e-mail the home office for bid price |
| to keep from sticking or bouncing, especially as | | | | assistance as each project can vary. Here is |
| the friction heats up the surface. Usually .a high | | | | where we get the stuff. |
| grade Carnauba will suffice. Starbrite has a liquid | | | | SwirlMasters |
| wax which is very easy to use as well. Most | | | | [ |
| automotive detailing products will suffice at level | | | | Meguiar's Unigrit |
| one oxidation. | | | | (for safest results) |
| Level 2 oxidation or medium oxidation: The | | | | 3M Products |
| surface will have obvious degradation on the deck | | | | If you cannot find a competent marine canvas |
| and the hull. The best product we have found is | | | | person in your area we suggest this phone |
| Aussie Gold's DuraGleem Extra Cut. It is a little | | | | number to owners who realize that it is far too |
| tougher than Aussie Gold DuraGleem Original, but | | | | late for cleaning after holes have occured. If it is |
| with level 2 oxidation you are going to need it. | | | | time for a new cover call 1-800-362-9154 |
| This may not work on all level two oxidation, but | | | | Walk-Winn Covers. |