Weathering.effects.on.gel.coat - Four winns 348 vista Owner's Manual

washing.detergents.are.usually.gentle.and.are.
recommended.for.cleaning.gel.coat..Cleaning.prod-
ucts.such.as.Ivory .or.Dawn
™
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
phosphate. 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.
specifically designed to clean fiberglass exterior
finishes. Many companies like Johnson & Johnson
Turtle.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.skid-resistant.areas,.DO.NOT.attempt.
to.use.a.wire.brush.or.sandpaper.because.this.will.
remove.the.skid-resistant.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.
Exterior Equipment - Section P
.hand.dish.washing.
™
,
™
, Fantastik ,
™ ™
,.
®
Waxing decks, cockpit floors or other walking
areas is not recommended. Waxing will
produce a very slippery surface, especially
when wet. Wax may also buildup in the skid-
resistant 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.
A.darkening.or.discoloration.of.the.skid-resistant.
surfaces.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,.
especially.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.
exposure.
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.
Owner's Manual Page