6 best boat waxes

Boat waxes are products specifically designed to protect and enhance the appearance of boats, similar to how car wax is used to protect and shine automobiles. These waxes are an essential part of boat maintenance, as they help preserve the boat's finish and protect it from the harsh elements of the water, such as UV rays, saltwater, and oxidation.

Here are some key points about boat waxes and their use:

  1. Protection: Boat waxes create a protective barrier on the boat's surface, guarding it against UV radiation, which can cause fading and damage. They also shield the boat's gel coat or paint from the corrosive effects of saltwater and other environmental contaminants.

  2. Enhanced Appearance: Boat waxes enhance the boat's appearance by providing a glossy finish.This can make the hull look newer and more appealing.

  3. Water Repellency: Many boat waxes have water-repellent properties. They help water bead and roll off the surface, reducing water spots and making it easier to clean the boat after use.

  4. Oxidation Prevention: Over time, the gel coat or paint on a boat can become dull due to oxidation. Boat waxes can help prevent this process, keeping the boat's surface looking vibrant and fresh.

  5. Application: Applying boat wax typically involves cleaning the boat's surface thoroughly, removing any dirt, grime, or previous wax layers. Then, the wax is evenly applied using a cloth or applicator pad. After a short drying period, it is buffed to a high shine using a clean cloth.

  6. Types of Boat Wax: There are different types of boat waxes available, including paste waxes, liquid waxes, and spray waxes. The choice depends on personal preference and the condition of the boat's surface.

  7. Frequency: Boat waxing frequency can vary depending on usage and environmental factors. In general, it's recommended to wax a boat at least once or twice a year. Boats used frequently or exposed to harsh conditions may benefit from more frequent waxing.

  8. Maintenance: Regular washing and proper maintenance of the boat are essential to maximize the effectiveness of the wax. Cleaning the boat before waxing ensures that the wax bonds well to the surface.

  9. Compatibility: It's important to choose a boat wax that is compatible with the boat's material, whether it's fiberglass, aluminum, or another type of surface. Some waxes are formulated for specific materials.

  10. Additional Features: Some boat waxes come with added features, such as UV inhibitors, mold and mildew resistance, and non-abrasive formulas. These can provide extra benefits depending on your specific needs.

In summary, boat waxes are essential for maintaining and protecting the exterior of boats. They offer protection from the elements, enhance the boat's appearance, and can extend the life of the vessel's finish. Regular waxing, along with proper cleaning and maintenance, is key to keeping a boat looking its best.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best boat waxes on the market
  

Meguiar's M6332 Flagship Premium Marine Wax, 32 Fluid Ounces

Meguiar's

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Meguiar's Flagship Premium Marine Wax dramatically enriches color and shine, as well as adding long-lasting protection against wear. It removes light oxidation and dullness while protecting the gel coat from UV damage. If you need high quality boat wax, you need Meguiar's Marine Wax.

  • EASY TO USE: Our formula offers long-lasting polymer protection and incredible deep gloss to fiberglass and gel coat surfaces
  • BEST PROTECTION FOR YOUR BOAT: Protects against UV damage and wear
  • VARIETY OF USES: Removes light oxidation, fine scratches and swirls while protecting
  • GREAT RESULTS: Dramatically enriches color and shine while bringing out the full richness of the surface
  • USE WITH HAND PADS OR POLISHER: Formulated to be effective by hand or dual action variable speed polisher

User questions & answers

Question: can you use this on the fronts of the large black mirrors (bug area) on RV's
Answer: No it is not a product for hives.
Question: How would we clean the RV first
Answer: Pink dots
Question: Can I use this on the hull of my pwc
Answer: Not sure what you mean by smooth edges. It's metal so it is going to have a certain thickness to it. The ones I have the edges are smooth. We haven't had any instances where our children have cut themselves with the spoons forks or knives. Which reminds me. I need to order some more. Hope this helps.
Question: Will it damage painted hull numbers or painted names on stern of boat
Answer: Yeah. A plastic bag.

Product features

Marine wax designed for maximum protection

Meguiar’s Flagship Premium Marine Wax is an easy to use liquid wax that offers long-lasting polymer protection and incredibly deep gloss on fiberglass and gel coat surfaces. With long days in the sun, this marine boat wax protects again UV damage and wear. Flagship Premium Marine Wax also removes light oxidation, fine scratches and swirls while providing long lasting polymer protection. If you’re looking for a wax that will dramatically enrich the color and shine of your boat while also bringing out the full richness of the surface, this Premium Marine Wax is for you!

How to use Meguiar’s Flagship Premium Marine Wax

  • Step 1: Wash the surface of your boat.

- To guarantee long lasting results, step 1 & step 2 are important! Meguiar’s M54 Gel Wash is a great product to effectively remove loose surface contaminants without stripping wax protection. With biodegradable detergents [Regulation (EC) No 648/2004], it is safe for both your boat and the marine life!

  • Step 2: Clean by removing below surface defects so that the surface is in new or “like-new” condition.

- If you have defects like oxidation or scratches you want to remove them prior to waxing with a cleaner like Meguiar’s M49 Oxidation Remover for light to moderate cleaning, or Meguiar’s M67 One Step Compound for heavy cleaning.

  • Step 3: Apply the marine wax either by hand or with Meguiar’s MT300 DA Polisher.
  • Step 4: Wipe off residue with a reusable towel such as Meguiar’s Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel.

Bring on the luster and shine

Boating season can come and go in what might feel like an instant! However, all boat owners know the importance in keeping any vessel in top condition all year long. Meguiar’s Flagship Premium Marine Wax revives and protects the shine that makes your boat look great both on and off the water. The easy to use formula keeps your boat looking its best within a reasonable amount of time. Even in the event of normal wear and tear, the marine boat wax will help to gently lift fine scratches and swirls. Take the hassle out of your boat care routine with this premium Meguiar’s wax.

Consumer

Meguiar’s has several lines of products designed for all aspects of at-home interior and exterior car care. With multiple product families, every customer is sure to find the right product for them, with options from the premium Ultimate line, Gold Class line, Classic Meguiar’s products, and more. From headlight care, to interior detailing, to all five steps of maintaining your paint (wash, clean, polish, protect, maintain), Meguiar’s has a premium product for every aspect of care.

Mirror Glaze

Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze products are ideal for the true car care professional. With products ranging from aggressive Detailing Clay, to Swirl Remover, various Compounds, Sealants, and more, detailing enthusiasts, professional detailers, and body shops professionals can find exactly what they need to get that show car shine. When walking around at some of your favorite car shows, such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, you’ll find that many trust the Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze line to get their cars ready for the big day.

Detailer

Meguiar’s Detailer products are the perfect solution for anyone running a garage, washing and detailing several cars a week, and commercial car washes. With quality concentrate product provided in large containers (1-gallon and 5-gallon for many products), customers won’t be running to the store every other day for more of their favorite cleaning and detailing products. Meguiar’s also offers labeled and color-coded spray bottles for users to dilute the Detailer product in and use with ease.

Marine / RV

Meguiar’s Marine & RV products are ideal for boat and RV owners of all kinds. All the basic care products, such as Gel Wash, Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner, and Quik Wax, are included in the Classic Marine and RV line. For the most extreme watercrafts, Meguiar’s formulated the Extreme Marine line, with Water Spot Detailer, Multi-Surface Cleaner, and Vinyl & Rubber Protectant, in a sleek, spherical bottle. For your premium vessel, you can also look to Meguiar’s Flagship line to beautify and protect your boat.

3M Marine Restorer & Wax (09006) – For Boats and RVs – 33.8 Ounces

3M

Based on 580 reviews Check latest price

Product description

3M Marine Restorer and Wax polishes and protects fiberglass and gelcoat. Our convenient liquid formulation combines a compound with a special blend of waxes. In one application, you can restore shine and add a layer of protection that will keep your boat glistening in the sunlight.

  • Removes heavy oxidation
  • Polishes to restore shine and color
  • Unique formula combines rubbing compound and wax
  • Recommended for boats and RVs

User questions & answers

Question: How many square feet will 32 oz. treat
Answer: Depends upon how badly the finish is oxidized. I have a Cobalt 262 and one bottle was enough. However, it was not badly oxidized.
Question: How coarse
Answer: Hi Devon! Thank you for your question. The 3M 09006 Marine Restorer & Wax is a two-in-one formula designed to remove oxidation and scratches of P1000 or finer, leaving a high gloss shine with deep, vibrant color.
Question: Is this wax white or beige? Thanks for any help
Answer: It will work on any color surface. The actual color of the wax is white, but when buffed out itll be clear.
Question: Is a buffer needed 9or ok to apply by hand? Have a Ryobi 2 speed buffer. I want to apply to lighly oxidized red fiberglass boat while in the water
Answer: The buffer makes it a bit easier on your elbow! :) but I was not very happy with my boat results with this product. Still looks about the same as any wax would...still looks oxidized!

Product features

3M Marine Restorer and Wax

3M Marine Restorer and Wax polishes and protects fiberglass and gelcoat. The convenient liquid formulation combines a compound with a special blend of waxes. In one application, you can restore shine and add a layer of protection that will keep your boat glistening in the sunlight.

Details:

3M Perfect-It Boat Wax (36113) – For Boats and RVs – 1 Quart,White

3M

Based on 187 reviews Check latest price

Product description

3M Perfect-It Boat Wax is the final touch to a truly professional finish, ready for the water or the road. This premium wax for boats and RVs contains pure Brazilian carnauba wax, known all over the world for its extraordinary gloss, combined with special polymers and resins to keep it looking extraordinary for a long time. Wipe-in, wipe-off liquid wax is easy to apply right from the bottle, and is safe for gelcoat, paint, fiberglass and metal. It forms a hard, durable shell that shields your boat or RV from the effects of water, dirt and weather3M Perfect-It Boat Wax is recommended for use after 3M Perfect-It Heavy Cutting Compound (36102), 3M Perfect-It Medium Cutting Compound Wax (36109) or 3M Perfect-It Light Cutting Polish Wax (36110), a family of products for any stage of boat maintenance. This selection also includes 3M Perfect-It Boat Wash (09035) to keep your boat clean any time.

  • An excellent final step for any process where the wax finish is recommended
  • Contains pure carnauba wax for a brilliant, pure wax finish
  • Protects gelcoat, paint, fiberglass and metals from the elements
  • The liquid wax formula is easy to apply and clean up
  • Part of a complete range of Perfect It products for gelcoat finishing

Product features

3M Perfect-It Boat Wax

3M Perfect-It Boat Wash is an important first step in achieving a truly professional gelcoat finish. This high-suds formula works without stripping wax, removing grime, algae, dirt and other common marine contaminants to create a clean, clear surface for refinishing. In fact, it works on every boat surface from bow to stern. And its concentrated formula requires only 1 oz. per gallon.

For a truly professional finish to marine and other gelcoat surfaces, 3M Perfect-It Boat Wax is a brilliant final step – its formula contains pure Brazilian carnauba wax, renowned for its hardness and show-quality finish. This premium wax delivers a smooth, extremely high gloss finish, and forms a durable shell that helps protect the surface against weathering. Though ideal for gelcoat, it is safe for use on paint, fiberglass and metals. This liquid wax wipes off cleanly and easily, and is very simple to use in all climates.

Part of a Complete Range of Products for Gelcoat Cutting, Polishing, Washing and Waxing

For professionals and owners, the 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Finishing products works great on boats, RVs and industrial gelcoat surfaces – new and used alike. These products include a step-by-step process to help you achieve dependable finishes every time, regardless of one-, two- or three-step processes. And the color-coded bottles allow for easy reference in the shop or on the dock.

The full series of 3M products created specifically for gelcoat includes 3M Perfect-It Boat Wash, 3M Perfect-It Heavy Cutting Compound, 3M Perfect-It Medium Cutting Compound + Wax and 3M Perfect-It Light Cutting Polish + Wax. This range of products is ideal for achieving professional-grade gelcoat finishes for boats, RVs and industrial applications.

The 3M Perfect-It Brand: 3M’s Highest-Quality Solution for Finishing Coated Surfaces

The Perfect-It brand represents a complete range of solutions designed for busy shops to achieve perfect defect-free finishes, every time, in as little time as possible. Perfect-It brand products have been developed according to a step-by-step system – there’s no need to create your own processes to get the best finish. Premium product performance means shorter process times at every step. You use less material, and you have less material to clean up. In all, Perfect-It brand products let you complete more jobs in the same amount of time. You get better throughput, the finest and most consistent finishes, and increased customer satisfaction with every job.

Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit 144 Ounces. Aircraft Quality for Your Car, RV, Boat, Motorcycle. The Best Wash Wax. Anywhere, Anytime, Home, Office, School, Garage, Parking Lots.

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price
  • SIMPLY THE BEST WATERLESS CAR WASH. Gently Cleans and Protects while leaving a Non-Stick UV Protective Coating on All Vehicle surfaces. Also, excellent for cleaning and protecting all other waxes, sealants, and ceramic coatings. Just Spray on and Wipe Dry. Wash and Wax Anywhere, Anytime, Parking Lots, Garages, Work, School, Apartments, RV Parks, and more. Use as a Waterless Wash and Wax as You Dry your just washed Vehicle. 128oz will Waterless Wash up to 24 cars or Wax As You Dry 36 cars.
  • Highly performance Aircraft Quality Wax for your Car, Boat, and RV. ONCE YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE YOU WILL NEVER USE AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS AGAIN! Used by Air Force One, Marine One, NASA, The Military, Airlines, Corporate and private aircraft owners around the world for over 33 years. This is a high quality easy to use product.
  • Water Based - Alcohol & Ammonia Free. Our plant-based Eco-friendly formula is biodegradable and Safe on ALL surfaces both Inside and Out. Meets Boeing Aircraft (D6-17487P, D6-7127M), Airbus Industries (09-00-002), and McDonnell Douglass CDS #1 cleaning specifications. Also, Human Friendly, NO eye or skin irritation like some other automotive products
  • Kit includes 1 full gallon of Wash Wax ALL, 1 full 16 oz spray bottle of Wash Wax ALL, 4 Microfiber Towels (16 in x 16 in), a Product Guide, and How to Use Guide.
  • ⚠️ Note: Understand that this is a Wash and Wax Product. Wax will protect and enhance the shine you currently have. If you have dull, oxidized, or scratched finish you will need a Polish to address those issues. WAX IS FOR PROTECTION; POLISH IS FOR CORRECTION. Our polish is called Polish ALL and is also available on Amazon. 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. If you are not getting 5 star results out of this 5-star product, please give us a chance to correct the issue. Please contact us.

User questions & answers

Question: I only got 2 cars washed with 1 pint of this product am i doing something wrong
Answer: I mix in bucket with water just like regular car wash soap. I use long handle wash brush and apply the wash mix. Then just rinse with hose. You could rinse with power washer if you want.
Question: How would this work on firetrucks used for shows? we have to travel from kansas to indiana and get bugs on them and can't wash when we arrive
Answer: I also purchased the Carrand 93210 Long Chenille Microfiber Wash Mop with 48" Extension Pole . It's perfect for our Class A.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DKM3SI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Question: How long does this supply last on average if I were to clean my car, two to three times a week? I have a 2014 Honda Civic sedan
Answer: Yes. It can be used in a pressure washer or in a foam cannon.
Question: Are there any tips for cleaning the microfiber cloth after washing your car? Is it safe just to wash it in the sink
Answer: Yes, 100% safe for use on an RV Rubber Roof.

Product features

How To:

  1. Spray On - Spray area to be cleaned with Wash Wax ALL
  2. Agitate area with a damp towel. For light cleaning, Step 2 may not be necessary.
  3. Dry the area with a dry towel before Wash Wax ALL dries.

Meguiars Inc. M6301 Flagship Premium Marine Wax

Meguiars Inc.

Based on 137 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dramatically enriches color and shine of fiberglass and gel coat surfaces. Effective in removing light oxidation and dullness, restoring gloss, And adding protection from UV damage. Available in liquid or paste. *Use wax only after the surface has been cleaned and restored to a "like new" or "average" finish.

  • Brand: Meguiars Inc.
  • Part Number: M6301
  • 1 Gallon Bottle
  • Flagship Premium Marine Wax

User questions & answers

Question: Is this safe for putting a wax coating over vertglas/poliglow on rv
Answer: It worked really well on our boat, so I'm not sure about an rv.
Question: hi, how many came in a box? thank you
Answer: Only one, How many were you expecting ?
Question: Could you use this product on an automobile
Answer: Of course you can use it an automobile I don't see why not if it can use in boat the gonna will be much better in the automobile paid the protection will be much greater and last longer.
Question: What color is the wax
Answer: The wax is synthetic, so it won't have a natural/eventually yellow tint to it. It might be slightly off white coming out of the bottle but will be clear after removal.

3M 36106 Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax 1 Quart

Perfect-It

Based on 328 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax features a fast-cutting formula that removes moderate oxidation weathering, dulling, chalking and scratches from gelcoat surfaces. Excellent for boats, watercraft and RVs, this professional-grade marine compound also includes a durable wax – you can often compound and wax in one easy step with no polish required. This 3M marine compound is formulated to stay wet for a long time on the compounding pad and on the surface, so you don’t have to stop compounding as often to change pads or apply more material. It leaves a glossy finish that helps protect against weathering. 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax is part of a family of gelcoat finishing products. 3M Perfect-It Boat Wash, 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Heavy Cutting Compound, 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Light Cutting Polish + Wax and 3M Perfect-It Boat Wax are all available for every type of boat and RV maintenance. Use with any 3M yellow wool polishing pad.

  • PROS: Refine, polish and wax gelcoat in one step, so you can get back on the water or the road
  • SAFE FOR GELCOATS AND FIBERGLASS: Marine compound and wax is scientifically formulated for boats and RVs
  • BALANCED FORMULA: Removes moderate oxidation and scratches, ideal for compounding gelcoats
  • EASY TO USE: Apply using a rotary buffer with a yellow 3M wool polishing pad; can also be applied by hand for small areas
  • PART OF A FAMILY OF BOAT CARE PRODUCTS: Choose 3M Perfect-It Heavy Cutting Compound for heavier oxidation, Light Cutting Polish for light polishing and
  • Boat Wax for high gloss shine
  • Fit type: Universal Fit

User questions & answers

Question: What product number is the recommended 3m yellow polishing pad
Answer: Wool pads are the only thing I’d use
Question: How does this compare to 3m restorer wax
Answer: 3M Perfect-It Medium Cutting Compound + Wax has more cut with a better finish compared to the 3M Restorer & Wax. The Perfect-It Medium Cutting Compound + Wax also stays wet longer, so you will use less of it than other compounds and one-steps.
Question: What are the exact directions for using this product
Answer: Wash very clean whatever you are working on (getcoat). Work in the shade defiantly. Tried in the sun, was tough to get off but came off. If possible use a buffer/polisher for ease. Pretty simple. I applied another gelcoat wax over. It works great on light to mid-medium jobs.
Question: How do you know if you need the light or medium compound
Answer: Thank you for your question! The 3M 36106 Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax is formulated to remove moderate oxidation, weathering, dulling, and scratches as coarse as P1000 from gelcoat surfaces; leaving a high gloss wax finish. In contrast, the 3M 36110 Perfect-It Gelcoat Light Cutting Polish + Wax is designed to remove light to medium oxidation, swirl marks and scratches of P1500 or finer; leaving a smooth, high gloss wax finish. Oxidation of gelcoat surfaces can be assessed by the degree to which the white “chalk” transfers to the fingertip upon touch. Typically, light oxidation has virtually no transfer of the white “chalk” upon touch; whereas medium to moderate oxidation has partial/more substantial (although not heavy) transfer upon touch.

Product features

3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax

3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax combines medium cutting power with durable wax for professional-grade one-step gelcoat compounding. It removes major defects and scratches P1000 or finer, and leaves a glossy wax finish that helps protect against weathering and may not require polishing.

For a truly professional gelcoat finish, Perfect-it Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax combines fast cutting compound and a durable shell for the surface in one step. Its premium chemical and mineral formula quickly removes oxidation, weathering, dulling, chalking and scratches as coarse as P1000. It leaves a high gloss wax finish. The compound, which is suitable for environments not sensitive to silicone, quickly restores the beautiful luster to scratched and oxidized boat surfaces. It leaves an excellent finish in one step. The compound also has a long wet time, allowing you to compound longer before you need new material. You use less product even in warmer climates, yet it handles well and does not clog on the buffing pad. The formula also includes a wax coating which helps protect the compounded gelcoat surface from the elements and reduces the need for further polishing or waxing.

The combined benefits of a compound and waxes in one product mean you spend more time relaxing on your boat out on the water and less time detailing it. Enjoyment is what having a boat is all about.

Part of a Complete Range of Products for Gelcoat Cutting, Polishing, Washing and Waxing

From buffing professionals to vehicle owners, the 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Finishing products works great on boats, RVs and industrial gelcoat surfaces – new and used alike. These products include a step-by-step process to help you achieve dependable finishes every time, regardless of one-, two- or three-step processes. And the color-coded bottles allow for easy reference in the shop or on the dock.

The full series of 3M products created specifically for gelcoat includes 3M Perfect-It Boat Wash, 3M Perfect-It Heavy Cutting Compound, 3M Perfect-It Light Cutting Polish + Wax and 3M Perfect-It Boat Wax. This range of products is ideal for achieving professional-grade gelcoat finishes for boats, RVs and industrial applications.

The 3M Perfect-It Brand: 3M’s Highest-Quality Solution for Finishing Coated Surfaces

The Perfect-It brand represents a complete range of solutions designed for busy shops to achieve perfect defect-free finishes, every time, in as little time as possible. Perfect-It brand products have been developed according to a step-by-step system – there’s no need to create your own processes to get the best finish. Premium product performance means shorter process times at every step. You use less material, and you have less material to clean up. In all, 3M Perfect-It brand products let you complete more jobs in the same amount of time. You get better throughput, the finest and most consistent finishes, and increased customer satisfaction with every job.

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