How to maintain deck non-skid?

[drh1965]

Is it safe to use boat wax on deck non-skid or does it get too slick? I've got quite a bit that is starting to get chalky... If not wax, is there something else?

Thanks!

[David M]

I would give it a good scrubbing with a soft deck brush and some Soft Scrub. That should get rid of much of the oxidized gelcoat.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by drh1965

Is it safe to use boat wax on deck non-skid...

NO - NEVER APPLY WAX TO DECKS.

Cleaning Non-Skid Decks:

1. Pre-Rinse: Start off by wetting down the entire topsides (coachroof & decks), to loosen up any dried on dirt and grime.

2. Wash the decks, using a mild soap/detergent and deck brush, a section at a time, rinsing as you go, and turning the hose on the rest of the decks to keep them wet till we get to them. This will remove most of what will come off easily.

3. If the deck isn't in too bad condition after the initial washing, one of the regular non-skid deck cleaners (Aurora, Marykate, Meguiar's Starbrite, West Marine, and others) will do the job, and leave a non-slippery, protective coating behind to make future washings* easier.

4. More stubborn dirt and black marks left by shoes can be removed by rubbing lightly with a scouring pad, fine steel wool, or a rag moistened with mineral spirits. Test any strong chemical cleaner, in an inconspicuous location.

4. Rinse, Rinse, & Rinse: Rinse with clean water to remove residual detergent.


* If the dirt, grime, soot, and oil don't have time to soak in and dry, they don't become a stain, and wash off with little difficulty. Become lax, even a few times, and the stains build up and eventually become nearly impossible to remedy.

[JusDreaming]

I have had good success using "Woody Wax Non-Skid" it cleans and waxes and is not slippery at all. It aint cheap but it does work
Original Woody Wax Fiberglass and Non-Skid Deck Wax

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by JusDreaming

I have had good success using "Woody Wax Non-Skid" it cleans and waxes and is not slippery at all. It aint cheap but it does work
Original Woody Wax Fiberglass and Non-Skid Deck Wax

I was thinking that something had to be put on the gelcoat otherwise it would simply continue to deteriorate.

Thanks.

[JusDreaming]

Originally Posted by Therapy

I was thinking that something had to be put on the gelcoat otherwise it would simply continue to deteriorate.

Thanks.

the woody wax does have protection for the gelcoat

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by JusDreaming

the woody wax does have protection for the gelcoat

That is what I mean.

I used wax anyway on my center console because I did not want the gelcoat to continue to "chalk".

Nice to know there is an alternative.

You are right though. It is expensive!

[drh1965]

Thanks everyone. I may give the Woody Wax a try. The one daunting tidbit from the instructions is that it only lasts 2 months

[Joli]

Not sure of your pattern but you could cut with rubbing compound and a wheel then use one of the high tech sealers. Not much you can do with chalky gelcoat other then hit it hard.

[Caribsailors]

I have use these products Island Girl Product Uses before and brought a chalky 25' O'Day back to life. I had a fellow member of the yacht club come to me when I was done and tell me, when ever I sell the boat see him first.

I have a Beneteau 38 now

Good product easy to use, just hard to get in my local now. Shipping and duties are th killer.

Cheers