How do you stop oxidation on a boat?

Asked by: Gina Williams

How do you stop oxidation on a fiberglass boat?

The use of marine grade formulas such as Crush Liquid Compound or Riptide Liquid Compound will quickly and effectively remove oxidation from the surface exposing fresh gel coat and fiberglass.

How do you keep gelcoat from oxidizing?

Cleaning is the most logical and cost-effective of all, especially when you want to preserve your gelcoat and keep oxidation at bay. One of the best things to do is wash and dry your boat each time you pull it out of the water or use it.

How do you get rid of heavy oxidation?

Baking soda is one of the safest home remedies for oxidized paint, because it acts as a gentle version of sandpaper and has no added chemicals or preservatives. Making a baking soda paste with water and gently rubbing it into the tarnished area should help to remove car paint oxidation.

How do you remove chalky residue from a boat?

Boat Scrub can be used by hand or with an orbital buffer. Most people find it is just as easy to use it by hand, with the Marine Power Mitt. Simply rub away the oxidation until the gelcoat shines and then apply the Premium Boat Shine. For the deck use Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub to clean and deoxidize the surface.

How do you keep fiberglass from oxidizing?

Without regular care and maintenance, fiberglass will begin to show signs of oxidizing in 4 to 12 months. Choose a wax suitable for fiberglass, like Protect All, Polish, Wax and Treatment with UV Protectant.

Should you wax a boat?

Waxing your boat is essential to maintaining the color, shine, and integrity of a gel coat finish. Marine waxes are very durable in order to stand up salt water, algae, and the sun. Boat wax also makes regular cleaning easier and can make it harder for grime to stick to waxed surfaces.

Can you buff out oxidation on a boat?

We use rotary buffers with wool pads. And the initial step we did with the marine 31 gel coat heavy cut oxidation cleaner that's an aggressive compound. And then for the follow-up.

Will wet sanding remove oxidation?

You want to make sure to wet sand it because if you don't wet sand it then you'll end up burning the gel coat you don't want to do that. So make sure you use plenty of water.

Can faded gelcoat be restored?

For boats with slightly more deteriorated or faded gelcoat, a hull cleaner or restoring boat wax may be chosen – 3M and other brands make a good quality product that can be used for this purpose. For boats that have only minor gelcoat defects or staining, a polish such as Shurhold’s Pro Polish can be used.

How do you remove oxidation from boat gelcoat?

First thing that you're gonna want to do take your pad on your polisher. Make sure it's centered up it'll really help out. And then you're just gonna want to take your compound. Here shake.

How do you get chalky residue off fiberglass?

Remove all the chalky areas of fiberglass using rubbing compound. Rub the affected areas in hard, circular motions until the surface is completely smooth. Rinse the surface with clean water and dry the fiberglass with a towel.

Will bleach damage gelcoat?

The problem is that bleach is an extremely harsh chemical. It will dull your gelcoat in only a few applications, cause paint to fade, change the color on your vinyl, and corrode your fittings.

What is the best thing to clean a fiberglass boat with?

If you want your fiberglass boat to regain some of its lost luster, a simple soap and water wash is the easiest first step to follow. Rinse off your boat with warm, clean fresh water. Use a specialized boat cleaning soap, and follow the instructions for mixing amounts into a bucket of water.

Can you use Clorox on a boat?

Yes, you can use bleach to clean your boat, whether it’s fiberglass or the vinyl boat seats.

Can you use Soft Scrub on a boat?

Abrasive household cleaners like Soft Scrub are too strong for your boat’s gel coat. Surfaces will lose their protective coating with these harsh cleaners. Bleach-based products can discolor fabrics.

Can Soft Scrub be used on fiberglass?

Quick Tip #38 – Fiberglass Cleaning



Use Soft Scrub Total Bath & Bowl Spray for regular use and Soft Scrub Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Spray for those tougher stains.

Is Soft Scrub still made?

Developed by the Clorox Company in 1974, Soft Scrub later became a member of the Dial Corporation family, a subsidiary of Henkel Company. Today Soft Scrub makes home cleaning products which can be used to clean and sanitize nearly every surface in your home.

Can you use Soft Scrub on vinyl seats?

Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser blasts away mold, mildew, bacteria, soap scum and hard water stains. Even better, it kills 99.9% of germs, and will leave your vinyl shower curtain or liner looking and smelling as bright and clean as the day you bought it. There’s no need to buy a separate vinyl surface cleaner.

Can you use a magic eraser on boat vinyl?

You can use Magic Eraser on vinyl floors, vinyl siding, and vinyl boats seats, and get amazing results as shown in the photo above. For example, in high traffic areas on your boat such as walkways and decks, you’re going to get a lot of muddy footprints, dirt, grease, and more nasty stuff.

How do you clean dirty vinyl boat seats?

Cleaning Vinyl Boat Seats

1. Make a solution of 1 gallon of water and 1/4 cup of mild soap.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe the vinyl in a circular motion, avoiding pooling water in the seams.
3. Rinse the seats with clean water and a clean cloth to remove excess soap.

Can you steam clean vinyl boat seats?

Steam cleaning can be highly effective to clean all boat surfaces including vinyl seats, cupholders, dashboards or to remove mold and carpet stains.

Can you use vinegar on vinyl boat seats?

You can also opt for the all-natural route by cleaning vinyl seats with vinegar. To make this do-it-yourself cleanser at home, you’ll need baking soda, vinegar, water, dish soap and Murphy’s Oil Soap.

What household items can I use to clean boat seats?

Some of the best materials for a homemade vinyl boat seat cleaning session are white vinegar, liquid dish soap, warm water, and club soda. All of the items listed above have great cleaning properties that are also safe for sensitive surfaces such as an expensive boat seat.

How do you clean white vinyl on a boat?

You need to be very careful when addressing white vinyl — either opt for a solution of warm water and mild soap, or a cleaner that is specifically made for this purpose. If you’re trying to remove stubborn, heavy stains, 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner is an optimal choice.

What is vinyl protectant?

Vinyl & Rubber Protectant is a water-based conditioner that nourishes your interior surfaces so they remain supple and moisturized. It contains NO petroleum distillates that can dry out the vinyl over time and cause premature cracking.

Can you use bleach on marine vinyl?

For example, many people try using bleach, but it is too harsh for vinyl and will cause it to break down over time, becoming more easily damaged by every day wear and tear. With bleach, you also run the risk of bleaching any fabrics nearby or carpeting on your boat. Water: Use clean, fresh water to clean your seats.