Removing Oxidation from
Gel-Coat Surfaces with Formula Five Clean ‘N Glaze
Click here for PDF version of this articleIf the exposed surface of a fiberglass product such as a
boat or recreational vehicle is gelcoat and is dull due
to weathering or ultraviolet rays it can probably be
restored. Formula Five Clean ‘N Glaze will in most cases
remove the chalking and restore the shine to the gel coat with less
work, at a lower cost and with a better long-lasting
shine than many products on the market.
First step in using Formula Five®
Clean ‘N Glaze
First, familiarize yourself with the MSDS and safety
precautions of any products you are using. Use
appropriate personal protective equipment such as hand
and eye protection and observe safety precautions. Use a
respirator suitable for any solvents you choose to use.
Test a small unobtrusive area of your gelcoated part
with your selected materials and technique for
compatibility.
Clean the gel coat surface before use of Formula Five
Clean ‘N Glaze
The following are effective cleaners:
· A capful of liquid dishwashing detergent in a gallon
of warm water.
· A cup of general-purpose detergent in a gallon of warm
water.
· Up to one pound of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with one
gallon of hot water for surfaces that have wax or oily
deposits. TSP can be found at hardware stores and stores
that sell paint-related items.
· If mold or mildew is a problem, add up to a cup of
household bleach to the cleaning solution.
· Extreme oil, wax or grease build up may require the
use of acetone or organic solvents; use these with
extreme caution, as they can be cancer causing and
flammable.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as
hand and eye protection and observe safety precautions.
Wash hands and face after use.
Rinse the gelcoat with clear water and allow to dry
before the next step.
Polish/Glaze
Formula Five Clean ‘N Glaze is a mild cleaner and glaze.
Polishing with Formula Five Clean ‘N Glaze will remove
oxidation but will remove only the finest of scratches
from gelcoat surfaces.
Use a soft clean terry or cotton cloth rag to apply
Formula Five Clean ‘N Glaze to a small area at a time, 2
– 4 square feet, and rubbing with a circular motion
until the surface is coated. Start buffing immediately
with a clean cloth turning frequently until surface is
polished to a shine.
Faster cleaning and glazing can be obtained by using a
buffer with an orbital motion (DA – dual action). This
will reduce work but runs some risk of burning the
surface or cutting through edges. Apply Formula Five
Clean ‘N Glaze directly to the buffing pad and working
in areas of 2 – 4 square feet. Polish surface to a shine.
Remove any residue with clear water. Enjoy your shiny
gelcoat!
Notes regarding the use of Formula Five Clean ‘N
Glaze as a Gel Coat Restorer
A 32 ounce container goes a long way - one bottle will
buff an entire 40 foot boat.
One devoted Clean ‘N Glaze user states, “I use it twice
a year on my boat. It does a wonderful job.”
For extremely oxidized gelcoat surfaces fine wet ‘n dry
sand paper of 600 - 800 grit or finer used with water may be necessary
to break the surface prior to application of the Formula
Five Clean ‘N Glaze. Use extreme caution not to damage
surface and test on a small unobtrusive area first.
Although a final coating with marine wax will give
longer lasting performance Formula Five Clean ‘N Glaze
requires no further applications of restorer or wax as
silicone is part of the formula and will provide a good
level of protection to the gelcoat.
Formula Five Clean ‘N Glaze is an effective cleaner for
white rubber rub rails and plated metal and stainless
steel. Formula Five Clean ‘N Glaze is not recommended
for surfaces coated in automotive type paints or for
plastic surfaces such as windshields or decorative
appliqués.
Applications include marine, RV, snowmobiles, motor
homes, hydroelectric service vehicle booms & buckets, cultured
marble tubs, showers and vanity tops.
REXCO manufactures the liquid polishing compound FORMULA
FIVE Clean ‘N Glaze. Packaged twelve 32 fl. oz. (.95
liter) bottles to a case.
The information and recommendations contained in this bulletin are, to the best of our knowledge, accurate and reliable. No guarantee of their accuracy is made, however, and the products discussed are sold without warranty, express or implied and upon conditions that the purchasers shall make their own tests to determine the suitability of such products for their particular purposes and uses.
