What Is Gel Coat?

Unless your boat has been painted, the finish on it is composed of a resin material that contains color. That finish is called gel coat.

Gel coat is applied over the fiberglass understructure of a vessel. Gel coat not only gives a vessel its sleek, shiny appearance but it also acts as a moisture barrier between the water and the structure. The higher the quality of the gel coat, the longer lasting the finish.

The finish on a boat that has a poor gel coat tends to oxidize and appear chalky rather quickly. That dulling effect can be minimized, however, with the application of a quality carnauba boat wax. Most major boat product suppliers carry carnauba waxes, including Meguiar's's and 3M. When making your selection, just make sure that the product contains top-grade carnauba wax. Heller Glanz Carnauba Cream Wax, one of the best products available on the market today, uses only the best grade carnauba wax to ensure that your vessel is resistant to dirt, grime and further oxidation from stem to stern. Heller Glanz makes its carnauba cream wax from a special liquid formula designed to renew the luster of gel coat and fiberglass, while leaving each surface with a smooth, silky finish. It can be applied with a rag or buffer and it is easily wiped from the surface.

Quality carnauba wax will restore your vessel's shine and protect it from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and salt water. Applying a fine, hard wax will also help protect the gel coat from the inevitable scratching it will sustain through normal use.

Return to Top

Fine, hairline scratches in the gel coat can be minimized with a quality wax product. They can be removed with rubbing compound and buffing. Deeper scratches and chips take a bit more effort to repair. Use very fine sandpaper … no more than 1,200 grit … to remove the scratches. Treat the area with a compound to remove the resulting sandpaper marks. Following the sanding with a coat of fine carnauba wax.

Return to Top

Gel Coat Paste Repair

Substantial cracking, scratching, gouging and dings in gel coat can be repaired by using one of a variety of pastes available in marine supply stores online and ashore. Follow product instructions for proper application. That said, you can look for the paste to be the consistency of petroleum and color-matched to your vessel.

The area to be treated should be free from dirt, wax and oil. Once clean, the area should be lightly sanded so the material easily adheres to the surface.The paste is usually mixed with an epoxy before it is spread with a putty knife onto the area. Generally, the paste should be left to cure for about 4 hours then the area should be sanded again. Once complete, the area can be brought back to its former luster with a good boat wax. Armada, Opine and Sea Safe are just several of the good wash and wax marine products on the market. However, Heller Glanz Wash 'n' Wax ... one of a new line of premium marine maintenance products ... is particularly impressive because it has the ability to perform on all surfaces of the boat ... from bow to stern and windshield to deck plates. Heller Glanz Wash 'n' Wax contains a carnauba polymer that adds a rich luster to fiberglass, metal and painted surfaces.

Return to Top

Begin by hosing down the vessel. Boats should be washed from top to bottom, then bow to stern. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the washing product.

Thoroughly rinsing the vessel with fresh water and drying all surfaces well will prevent soap-scum buildup, water spotting and a dull finish. If you are washing your vessel on a sunny day, be sure to wash and dry as you move along ... don't wash the entire surface, then rinse the entire surface. Doing so will prevent the washing material from drying before it is buffed. Waterspots can also appear if water is allowed to evaporate on surfaces. While there are many wash and wax products on the market, Heller Glanz Wash 'n' Wax is particularly impressive. It contains a premium carnauba wax that adds a rich luster to fiberglass, metal and painted surfaces.

Major boat product companies usually carry carnauba waxes, including Meguiar's and 3M. Just make sure that the brand you select contains top-grade carnauba.

Heller Glanz also makes a Carnauba Cream Wax that also uses only the best grade carnauba wax to ensure that your vessel is resistant to dirt, crime and further oxidation from stem to stern.

Heller Glanz's makes its carnauba cream wax from a special liquid formula that's

designed to renew the luster of all fiberglass surfaces while leaving each surface with a smooth, silky finish. It can be applied with just a rag or buffer and easily wiped from the surface. Quality carnauba wax will restore your vessel's shine and protect it ultraviolet rays and salt water.

PRODUCTS