The paint finish on your boat provides beauty, depth of color, gloss retention and durability.
To best way to preserve your boat’s finish is to keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water. Try to avoid washing your boat in the direct rays of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, dish, or car washing soaps. All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft clean chamois or 100% cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
Never use the following to clean your boat:
- Gasoline
- Acetone
- Paint thinner
- Turpentine
- Lacquer thinner
- Nail Polish Remover
- Alcohol
- Laundry Soap
- Bleach
- Reducing Agents
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your boat by hand may be necessary to remove residue from the paint finish. Always use waxes and polishes that are non-abrasive and made for automotive type finishes.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil, tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc. can damage your boat’s finish if they remain on the painted surface. Wash the boat as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove the foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather, water pollutants and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period of time. You can help to keep the paint finish looking new by keeping the boat garaged, covered and avoiding extended stays in water whenever possible.