Selecting the right wax can be confusing. Just looking down the wax and care aisle at a marine store and seeing all the choices is overwhelming. Shurhold Industries provides deck boat owners with education on what wax actually is, what it does and the different types available.
When discussing wax for a boat, users are really discussing putting a coat of protection on the surface. This protection is used to help sheet water off and delay the natural oxidation of the surface caused by the environment and UV rays of the sun. Years ago all protectants were wax-based and that is why the process is referred to as waxing. Today there are many forms of surface protection and many do not have any wax in them at all. The Wash & Wax category of products claims to wash and wax the surface at the same time. However, this is just marketing, as no real effective protection is left behind. Owners are much better off finding a wash soap that cleans well, protects the environment, and does not prematurely degrade a protective coating.
Cleaner Waxes include a mild abrasive in with the protectant. It provides some very light stain removal at the same time as waxing. Many of these products do work well but, unfortunately, when they are used, owners end up cleaning the entire boat, even when and where it does not need it. There is a finite amount of gelcoat or clear coat on the boat's surface, so it's recommended only to use abrasive product when and where they are needed.
Straight Paste Wax is the traditional form of Wax protection. Requiring some elbow grease or hours of buffing, these products have been upgraded over the years to be a bit easier to work with. In doing so, non-productive fillers such as talc have been added to the formulas. Buffing out this type of wax results in the use of multiple towels to remove this powdery filler.
The latest category of protectants is Polymer Wax. Most are fully synthetic and actually have no natural wax in the formula. These liquid-cream-like products are very easy to work with, allowing users to protect their finish in about half the time. Polymer protectants also have the benefits of the latest in technology additives. These formulas bond better with the surface, last longer and include true UV inhibitors. Additionally, there is no benefit of two or more coats in one session with polymers. It can be thought of like reapplying sun block. A second coat can be saved for later in the season.
In northern climates with a shorter season, owners can do the surface twice. In southern and tropical areas, three to four times per year would be better.
The next time boaters find themselves in a sea of waxes, they'll know what to look for in a good-quality Polymer Protectant with UV additives. One recommended option is Shurhold's Pro Polish. Pro Polish is scientifically formulated to protect a boat from the harsh effects of the sun, saltwater and environmental fallout. It repels water and provides a deep high gloss shine, while protecting surfaces from the harsh effects of the sun with UV inhibitors. Better than an old fashioned wax, Pro Polish is a polymer based formula with cosmetic-grade ingredients and contains no fillers or talc. A 16-ounce bottle costs $22.98. For more information on Pro Polish visit www.shurhold.com or call 800-962-6241.
