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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, sol vents,
or strong alkaline based deter gents, nor
clea ners with a "gritty" and abra sive tex ture.
Avoid prod ucts which contain sod ium
phosphate. Common examples of these types
of household cleaning agents are: Tide
Oxydol
, Janit or-in-a -Drum
™
Clorox
, etc. Al ways 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 & John s on
Turtle Wax
, etc. manufacture cleaning fluids mild
®
enough to clean without stripping the wax.
NOTICE
Treading on a soiled fiberglass surface can
se vere ly 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 sand paper 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 prod uct is formulated for gel coat surfaces. Also,
consult a Four Winns dealer for their recommenda-
tions.
NOTICE
Do not use carnuba based waxes. This type of
wax yellows over time and makes the fiberglass
appear yellow.
Fiberglass & Hull Information - Section P
hand dish washing
™
,
™
, Fan tastik
,
™
™
,
®
Waxing decks, cockpit floors or other walking
areas is not recom m ended. Waxing will
produce a very slip pery surface, especially
when wet. Wax may also buildup in the skid-
resistant surfac es. Be sure all persons wear
deck shoes while aboard the boat. Footing will
be improved and feet will be protect ed from
accidental cuts and bruises.
A darkening or discoloration of the skid-resistant
surfac es can sometimes occur as a result of wax
build up. Expo sure 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
direc tions 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
bro k en down into an extremely fine pow d er. When this
happens, the color whitens. The chalk is present on
the surface only.
Fading is the uniform change in color. This hap pens
when the actual pig ments 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
strea king 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 Sec tion
P-5 for additional information.
Follow the ensuing instructions for boats that have
weathered and chalked.
Owner's Manual Page 171
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