Can You Use Car Wax on a Boat: Straightforward Guide

Whether or not you can use car wax on your boat is a question that is a lot more commonly asked between boat owners than you would think.

You may ask yourself this question if you are worried about the money you spend on your boat. Now then, can you use car wax on a boat? Well, to find the answer to your question, let’s get down to the details.

Can You Use Car Wax on a Boat – Straightforward Answer

Well, the simplest answer to this question is yes. Yes, you can use car wax on a boat. However, car wax is not similar to marine wax, and just because you can use it does not mean that you should be using it.

What to do then? Let’s find out.

Car Wax vs Boat Wax

Car Wax

It is designed specifically to work best for road conditions with car wax. While it is quite capable of repelling the rainwater falling on your car, it is just not strong and vigorous enough to be able to deal with being immersed into the water constantly and all of the other harsh underwater conditions that come along with it.

When using car wax, you don’t get the same protection from UV rays either.

Boat Wax

On the other hand, boat wax is formulated to specifically work with Gelcoat in all the tough underwater and marine environments.

To fight against extreme marine conditions such as extreme cold or heat, direct sunlight, or even being exposed to the water for long hours, boat wax comes in with a chemical composition suited specifically for that.

While you can use car wax on a boat, you need to consider that it will not be able to protect your boat as well or even last as long as boat wax. It also requires you to reapply it a lot more frequently too.

You should keep in mind that since there are often RVs and boats being made from the same materials, there are some boat waxes that are also advertised to be both RV/boat wax.

Clear-Coat vs Gelcoat

Both cars and boats are all finished with protective material on the top layer. Cars are made with clear coats, and boats are made with gelcoats.

What is a Clear Coat?

A clear coat is just a layer applied over a car’s paintwork that will allow the color of the car’s paint to shine through. All while ensuring that the paint is well protected from the elements and stone chips.

What is a Gelcoat?

A layer of polyester resin called Gelcoat is applied to the fiberglass structure of a boat. Not only does this protect the fiberglass of the boat from the damaging UV rays and the penetration of water, but it also works to provide the boat with a finish that is both glossy and attractive.

Something to note here is that the Gelcoat becomes porous over time, and it oxidizes, no matter how durable it is. When this oxidation happens, the Gelcoat becomes rough to the touch and has a chalky look to it. It is inevitable for boats to experience oxidization.

It is also why there are many fiberglass boats painted in white so it can hide the oxidation a lot better.

Different Wax Types

You need to remember that not all waxes are made to be for general use. When it comes down to your boat, you should know that there are mainly two types of waxes that you can use on it. You will save a lot of your time and effort if you know the difference between these two.

1. Finishing Waxes

Finishing waxes are just used to make your boat appear a lot better polished and glossy. They do not provide your boat with any type of cleaning, but they definitely can have quite a big impact on your boat’s paint or the boat itself.

Finishing wax is a great option to choose if your boat is already looking to be in good condition.

2. Cleaner Waxes

Unlike finishing waxes, cleaner waxes tend to offer some level of cleaning to your boat. Cleaner wax products often come with abrasive ingredients or chemicals.

These can help your boat prevent damage from the debris you could build on your boat, oxidation, or even just neglect. Some cleaner waxes can also help make the paint or graphics on your boat look a bit better.

You will see many boat owners use cleaner wax products because these cut down the time that you require to wax and clean a boat. Keep in mind that you should only use these waxes in places needed because they do contain cleaning agents.

If they are used often on the areas that don’t need cleaning, they will end up weakening the gel coat over time.

FAQs

1. Does Boatwax Prevent Gelcoat Oxidation?

Yes, you can prevent the fiberglass gelcoat on your boat from oxidation with a protective layer of boat wax.

2. Why is Waxing Your Boat Important?

Not only does waxing your boat improve its overall appearance, but it also provides you with lesser drag and, of course, more protection for your boat.

Final Words

If you are thinking of waxing your boat, think of the long run. You won’t be saving a lot of money if you apply car wax on your boat since you will have to reapply frequently.

In that sense, boat wax is the better money-saving and protective option. Your boat is quite an investment, so don’t go cheap on it!