Weathering.effects.on.gel.coat - Four winns FUNSHIP Owner's Manual

products.such.as.Ivory.or.Dawn.hand.dishwashing.
liquid.can.be.safely.used..Always.read.the.label..
before.using.any.product.
NOTICE
DO NOT use acetone, paint thinner, solvents,
or strong alkaline based detergents, nor
cleaners with a "gritty" and abrasive texture.
Avoid products which contain sodium phos-
phate. Common examples of these types
of household cleaning agents are: Tide
Oxydol , Janitor-in-a-Drum
™
Clorox , etc. Always read the label before
™
using an agent.
There.are.several.products.available.which.are.spe-
cifically designed to clean fiberglass exterior finishes.
Many.companies.like.Johnson.&.Johnson
Wax , etc. manufacture cleaning fluids mild enough .
®
to.clean.without.stripping.the.wax.
NOTICE
Treading on a soiled fiberglass surface can
severely scratch and mar the finish. Keep the
fiberglass as clean as possible.
When.cleaning.nonskid.areas,.DO.NOT.attempt.to.
use.a.wire.brush.or.sandpaper.because.this.will..
remove.the.nonskid.gel.
Apply.wax.once.or.twice.a.year.to.maintain.gel.coat.
lustre..Read.the.label.before.using.any.product..Make.
sure.product.is.formulated.for.gel.coat.surfaces..
Also,.consult.a.Four.Winns.dealer.for.their.recom-
mendations.
NOTICE
Do not use carnuba-based waxes. This type
of wax yellows over time and makes the
fiberglass appear yellow.
Waxing decks, cockpit floors or other areas on
which one walks is not recommended. Waxing
will produce a very slippery surface, espe-
cially when wet. Wax may also buildup in the
nonskid surfaces. Be sure all persons wear
deck shoes while aboard the boat. Footing will
be improved and feet will be protected from
accidental cuts and bruises.
Fiberglass and Hull - Section P
,
™
, Formula 0 ,
™ ™
,.Turtle.
®
A.darkening.or.discoloration.of.the.nonskid.surfac-
es.can.sometimes.occur.as.a.result.of.wax.buildup..
Exposure.to.the.sun.and.elements.can.turn.the.wax.
darker, or occasionally can cause it to become flaky
or powdery. To remove, use fine rubbing compound
and.a.low.RPM.buffer.(1200.to.2000.RPM)..Apply.
light.pressure.and.keep.the.buffer.moving.at.all.times.
to.prevent.heat.build.up..Read.the.directions.before.
using.any.equipment.
B. Weathering Effects on Gel Coat
Weathering.occurs.from.direct.sunlight,.water,.chemi-
cals,.and.dust..Some.of.the.terms.below.describe.the.
changes.that.can.occur.to.the.gel.coat.surface..
Chalking.is.a.result.of.the.gel.coat's.top.surface.being.
broken down into an extremely fine powder. When this
happens,.the.color.whitens..The.chalk.is.present.on.
the.surface.only.
Fading.is.the.uniform.change.in.color..This.happens.
when.the.actual.pigments.have.changed.color,.espe-
cially.from.excessive.chalking,.or.when.the.gel.coat.
has.either.been.stained.or.bleached.by.something.
Yellowing.is.gel.coat.which.has.a.yellow.cast.and.
streaking.usually.deals.with.a.stain.or.contact.with.
another.surface.
Gloss.refers.to.the.shine.of.the.surface..This.can.
change.from.sanding.action,.chalk,.residues,.or.expo-
sure.
Blistering.refers.to.a.condition.in.which.the.unpro-
tected.gel.coat.surface.below.the.waterline.has.
absorbed.water.and.formed.bubbles..See.Section.P-5.
for.additional.information.
Follow.the.instructions.below.for.boats.that.have.
weathered.and.chalked.
1.. Wash.
2. W ax. If this does not work, then use a fine rubbing
compound..If.this.does.not.work.use.400.or.600.
wet or dry sandpaper, followed by fine rubbing
compound.and.wax..
When using wax or fine rubbing compounds, make
sure.to.read.the.label.and.follow.the.directions..Some.
helpful.tips.are.listed.below.
Owner's Manual Page 0