How to Remove Fiberglass Oxidation
A large number of boats manufactured today are made from fiberglass.
Even bathtubs, RVs and umbrella sticks are also made from fiberglass.
Why? Because fiberglass is weightless, pliable, and flexible.
It is also very affordable but extremely tough and highly resistant to acids, extreme temperature and UV rays.
However, like metal and steel, fiberglass is also subject to oxidation although it's made from woven glass fibers.
The only difference is that, when fiberglass oxidizes, its surface coat doesn't develop unsightly red-brown rust.
Instead, its surface becomes dull and its color fades.
Its gel coat layer develops microscopic pits, holes and gaps that give its lackluster appearance.
In order to completely remove fiberglass oxidation and to eliminate its unsightly effects, it is a must to treat first these ultra tiny crevices before applying any wax products.
Generally, you can find commercial fiberglass restoration systems in most hardware stores and marine shops.
Some products include polish, sealant and wax.
There are also other products that don't include wax in their fiberglass restoration system.
Regardless, the process of cleaning remains the same.
And here are the easy steps on how to remove fiberglass oxidation.
- Choose a fiberglass restoration system that best suits your needs in removing fiberglass oxidation.
- Using a cloth, textured and gritty nylon scrubber or a mechanical buffer, apply the fiberglass polishing aid to the surface of the fiberglass material (i.
e.
your boat or bathtub's affected exterior). - In a circular but overlapping motion, polish the outer layer of the fiberglass (i.
e.
the gel coat layer).
Using a clean dry cloth or mechanical buffer, buff the layer to give it a shiny finish.
- Wash off the residues from the fiberglass material using a mild detergent soap or washing solution included in the fiberglass restoration kit.
Then let it stand to dry. - Inspect the polished area.
If you are satisfied that it's completely clean and dry, your next step is to apply the fiberglass sealant or sealer using a clean and soft fabric.
There's no need to rub the solution to the affected layer. - If you have wax in your kit, apply it lastly as a final coating.
Use a clean cloth to rub the area.
Remember: rub in circular but overlapping motion. - Let it dry for another few minutes.
Then buff it using a clean fabric or a mechanical buffer.
This will give your fiberglass material a smooth, shiny and bright finish that will look almost like brand new!