Boat Detailing Tips
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Boat detailing is a specialized area of auto detailing, and If you are looking for some expert detailing tips for your boat as a Do-it-yourselfer, then you have come to the right place. My tips come from twenty+ years of boat cleaning and detailing as a professional auto detailer here in the Orange County, CA area. And for all those who hate research and are looking to maximize their results, use the secure links located over in the right hand column to get your quality boat care products. I have compiled a list of my favorites that promise to deliver excellent results, and are actual products I use professionally!
We Need Answers!
- What is the best wax for my boat?
- Is it possible to remove the oxidation from my boat myself?
- What type of polish works best for fiberglass and gel coats?
Boats, RV's, or watercraft are unique and come with different needs than do cars. Traditional auto detailing products and techniques will not always do the trick; or will they? The industry has done much to confuse us boat owners looking to maintain the value and beauty of our boats in their many shapes and sizes. These large toys do not come cheap, and I suggest you act accordingly and become an educated consumer and boat owner.
Your Boat is not Your Car!
This is what I call the elusive obvious. Clearly, boats are not cars, and yet the industry has done so much to confuse us through misleading advertising, and incorrect labeling of products. The materials used in the boat construction means we are going to be dealing with many types of materials when it comes to cleaning and protecting our toys.
- Gelcoat/fiberglass
- Carpeting
- Vinyl interiors
- Ski towers
- Painted or powder-coated surfaces
- Decals in many forms
Gel Coat is not Car Paint
Once again, while this may seem obvious to many, the differences can be dramatic depending on whether we are talking about boat washing, waxing, polishing;all the way to fiberglass boat restoration.
Boat washing and waxing can be pretty straight forward, but boat polishing and gel coat restoration is dramatically different than working on car paint. Just like everywhere else in life, choosing the right tools for the job will dramatically increase the effectiveness of your results. I have heard many incorrect opinions regarding gel coats and fiberglass boats. More often than not, bad information is circulated and repeated over and over again, adding to an already frustrated and confused group of boat owners.
Additional Boat Detailing Resources
For additional information, follow any of the many links below regarding the many specialized areas when it comes to detailing boats:
- Fiberglass boat restoration
- Gelcoat restoration
- Gel coat wax
- Gel coat polish
- Best boat wax
- Boat Polishing
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RV/Boat Cleaning and Detailing
Shop using the secure links below for all your cosmetic RV or Boat cleaning and detailing needs. Expert products that promise to deliver professional grade results. Whether you are working on the gel coat of your boat, or the fiberglass of your RV, the products below are the perfect solution for either!
RV and Boat Washing
Removing the dirt and dust from your RV or boat is the first step to maintaining the value and beauty. The products below are a perfect place to start and will deliver the type of results you are looking for!
Meguiar's #54
Meguiar’s #54 Boat/RV Gel Wash is a rich, hi-sudsing formula that safely removes dirt, bird droppings, salt, and other environmental contaminants. Conditioners will increase the slickness and shine of the fiberglass. This wash is designed for frequent use and it will not cause detergent burn. The formula is biodegradable so run-off is not a problem.
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #54 Mirror Glaze Boat/RV Gel Wash
Shurhold 10 Inch Soft Yellow Deck Brush
The Shurhold 10 Inch Soft Yellow Deck Brush is designed to clean boat decks, RV's- both painted or gel coat surfaces without scratching. The soft, feathered bristles gently loosen grime and brush away dirt. The 10 inch wash brush makes large cleaning jobs easier.
Shurhold Soft Yellow Deck Brush, 10 Inches
Water-Sprite Chamois
The Water Sprite Plus is a scientifically engineered super-chamois out of Holland. High absorbency, not only of water, but acts like a sponge towards dirt and grime pulling them safely away from the car’s surface. An amazing tool of detailing that has endless uses and has no replacement! Simply a must have whether using on cars, boats, or RV's!
Water Sprite Plus® Chamois 4 sq. Feet
Detailing Clay
Detailing clay is not just for your car paint. Also very critical and effective for use on boats and RV's where air born pollution in its many forms will make for that "texture" feel to your gel coat or fiberglass. Especially useful on the back end of your RV where wind turbulence during driving greatly adds to the level of dirt and pollution. Also very effective for bug removal after those long road trips. Use prior to any application of wax or polish.
Meguiar's Professional Clay
Still one of my professional favorites. Don't underestimate the difference of your results by using the detailing clay when it comes to your boat and RV's!
Meguiars Professional Detailing Clay - C2000
RV/Boat Waxing
Fiberglass and gel coats are subject to the harmful effects of weather just as car paint is. Protection is the way to beauty and protection. Because of the size of RV's and boats, most people are looking for the ultimate in protection. Nothing beats the engineered abilities of synthetic liquid polymers for protection and durability! Use one of the liquid sealants below for the base coat, use the Meguiar's #135 as a sealant extender anytime you are looking for a quick and easy way to visual enhance and extend the life of the base coat.
Meguiars #21 Synthetic Sealant 2.0
Gel Coat Labs All Marine Surface Sealant 16 oz.
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #135 Synthetic Spray Detailer
RV/Boat Cleaner Wax
Due to the size and living conditions of most boats and RV's, oxidation is a typical problem for most. By combining both a cleaner and wax into a single product, now you can accomplish two steps with one. Remove mild forms of oxidation while applying a layer of protection.
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #50 Marine/RV Cleaner Wax
Gel Coat Labs One-Step Micro-Polish and Sealant 16 oz.
RV Polishing
Makita Professional Buffer
Anyone looking to raise the bar on performance will require the use of a professional grade buffer. This one from Makita is a perfection solution for the demands required to perform polishing of the gel coat or fiberglass RV's. Save money by purchasing this kit which comes with wool polish pads necessary for the removal of more advanced levels of oxidation to your boats gel coat or RV fiberglass. Professional results begin with professional grade equipment that can withstand the requirements necessary for this level of polishing.
Meguiar's Professional Polishes
Polishes are not all created equal. Don't make polishing your gel coat or fiberglass more difficult by choosing products that will only cause frustration and additional work. The actual polishes I use professionally to polish car paint, gel coats, and fiberglass. You will not find a more user friendly set of polishes! Also comes with foam pads ideally suited for the polishing of car paint. By combining the Makita polishing kit with this kit from Meguiar's, you are now positioned to handle any level of polishing job on all car paint, gel coats, and fiberglass!
Meguiars Ultra Polish Kit with 6.5 Inch Pads
DeWalt and Gel Coat Labs Kit
If you are a DeWalt or Gel Coat Labs fan, then this kit is ideally suited for you. As the name implies, Gel Coat Labs formulates their products geared towards use on gel coats and fiberglass. This DeWalt polisher is also the only other polisher next to the Makita above I have used continually at a professional level. This polisher has all the features any professional would need and can withstand the demands necessary for gel coat and fiberglass polishing!
Gel Coat Labs DeWalt DWP849 Total Polishing Kit
