Jay Ofsink asked:
My boat was waxed before shrink wrapping for the winter. Does the wax have to be removed to use the Premium Boat Shine?
You indicate “no carnauba”. I thought carnauba was a good thing. What are its disadvantages?
Answer:
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Yes. Waxes oxidize and deteriorate over time and they do not bond to the surface, but remain on top. If you apply polish or wax over the top, you are protecting the old wax and not your boat. In addition, if the wax is Carnauba, the more you apply the greater the staining effect will be. Carnauba waxes also hold dirt and pollutants because of its greasy nature and it’s better to remove this rather than sealing it in with a new coat.
You can easily strip the old wax by washing with a 1:4 dilution of Boat Clean Plus and water and then scrubbing it with Boat Scrub to deoxidize, deep clean and remove any stains that may be present. Premium Boat Shine is easy to apply and is self polishing so it does not require the hard rubbing and buffing that natural waxes do. It also bonds to the surface to give your boat better protection. It now contains VS721 for greater durability so that 2 coats will last a full year on your hull.
The disadvantages of Carnauba waxes are:
• Heat from the sun releases natural dyes which cause yellowing and staining.
• Heat from the sun softens the wax, making it greasy which in turn holds dirt and pollutants against the surface.
• They are difficult to apply and require aggressive friction buffing to get a good shine.
• Limited life; they break down rapidly limiting protection to your boat and should be stripped and re-applied every 2 to 3 months.
• Jungles are being clear cut in order to get the carnauba wax from the trees. This is destroying the natural habitat of wild animals and the product is no longer considered environment friendly.
Many boat manufacturers now discourage their customers from applying Carnauba wax to their boats and recommend a synthetic wax or polish like Premium Boat Shine.
Thanks for your question,
Captain Aurora
The Skipper Recommends:
BOAT SCRUB
BOAT CLEAN PLUS
PREMIUM BOAT SHINE
VS721
Views: 17,605
FAQs
Most boat waxes are made from Carnauba Wax, wich will cause yeallowing on fiberglass and painted surfaces. In addition, because Imron is a linear polyeurethane, waxes can also cause the paint to blister.
What is the disadvantage of carnauba wax? ›
Beauty versus durability
But, while it is durable compared to other natural waxes, carnauba wax isn't as durable as silicon-, ceramic- or graphene-infused coatings. It also doesn't provide as much protection and chemical resistance, as a synthetic product.
Is carnauba wax good for boats? ›
Carnauba Wax
This type of wax is used purely for its glossy looks and protective properties against salt, water, and UV light. It contains no grit, and so doesn't scrub away any dirt or debris. It's ideal for new or well-maintained vessels, but not ideal for those with a lot of damage or oxidation.
Can carnauba wax be used on fiberglass? ›
Yes. Waxes oxidize and deteriorate over time and they do not bond to the surface, but remain on top.
What is the difference between marine polish and marine wax? ›
Carnauba/Pure Wax: A soft wax with no compound (grit) in it; primarily made from a natural palm wax. Polishes: A synthetic mixture that performs similar to wax, but does not contain carnauba wax. Cleaner Wax: A mixture that has compound mixed in with wax.
What are the health risks of carnauba wax? ›
Carnauba Wax must never be used near the inner nose and ears or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of Carnauba Wax include dry skin, acne, rashes, inflammation, dermatitis, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, and dryness, irritation, or burning of the eyes.
What is better than carnauba wax? ›
Ceramic coatings – the newer, more durable protectant
A layer of ceramic coating adds an element of shine to your car. More critically, it adds a long-lasting shield of protection far more durable than carnauba-based waxes.
What is the best wax to use on fiberglass? ›
Star Brite Premium Cleaner Wax – One Step Heavy Duty Cleaner Wax is formulated specifically to remove oxidation and hazing from fiberglass or painted surfaces. The special polymers seal the restored finish to keep it looking its best while providing unmatched protection against UV rays and a deep, long-lasting gloss.
Is it better to polish or wax a boat? ›
If you use your boat regularly, aim to wax your boat at least twice a year. A good-quality marine wax will offer long-lasting protection. You can apply it by hand or use a dual-action variable speed polisher. Note, buffing a boat may not always necessary.
Which is better beeswax or carnauba wax? ›
Carnauba wax is one of the hardest natural waxes, and takes a hard, glossy shine with a slick feel. By itself, it is brittle and very difficult to polish once it has dried. Beeswax is a moderately soft, sticky wax with a wonderful smell, and it buffs out to a mellow glow.
Collinite Marine wax is what I found to be what soots me the best. Long lasting and easy application.
What will make fiberglass shine? ›
Tech Support
- Low-speed polisher.
- Microfiber towels.
- Chamois.
- 3M Imperial Compound and Finishing Material or similar.
- 3M Finesse-It Finishing Material or similar.
- Collinite 925 wax or similar.
- Pad and polishing pads for polisher, such as 3M's 33274 (medium) and 33275 (fine)
We find natural waxes such as carnauba wax in car polishes, in lipsticks and eyeliners, as waterproof for leather products, as release and anticaking agents in baked and processed food, and as tablet-coating agents in the pharmaceutical industry.
Should fiberglass boats be waxed? ›
Plus, waxing regularly slows down the UV damage that can break down paint and fiberglass. So, being diligent about waxing will help you avoid costly repairs associated with a boat that's not properly protected.
Should you wax a boat by hand or with a buffer? ›
Applying and buffing out wax can be done entirely by hand as described, but it will go a lot quicker – and be much easier – with a power buffer. You could try renting one first to see how you like it.
Is gelcoat better with or without wax? ›
I would say that 95% of repairs of gelcoat are with wax additive. Why? Because you are bonding to the repair surface and as it cures the wax rises to the surface and gives it a hard surface you can sand and polish. with out wax a repair usually is tacky on surface even though it is cured under neath.
Which is better, carnauba or synthetic wax? ›
Carnauba wax does a better job of bringing out color and maximizing shine, especially on vintage paint jobs. Synthetic waxes bond to the clear coat for longer-lasting protection. Both natural and synthetic waxes can come in paste form, the oldest form of vehicle wax.
How long can you leave carnauba wax on? ›
Layering and Cure Times (Return to Top)
Assuming you apply the wax nice and thin, the cure times will range from 1 - 24 hours.
Is carnauba wax good or bad for food? ›
Carnauba wax in its natural form is generally safe for human ingestion (whether orally or through the surface of the skin). This is due to the fact that our system does not absorb it. It simply tends to pass through our bodies without affecting our biological processes.
