How to Wax and Protect Non-Skid Decks

NOTE: Shurhold has since made improvements to the Brite Bonnet Final Polish Pad. The vapor barrier has been replaced with a traditional hook & loop backing, resulting in faster transitions between pads and a less messy experience. 

One of the questions I get asked the most is,“How do I wax my non-skid?”

Today, John Greviskis from Ship Shape TV was at the dock to discuss issues with taking care of non-skid surfaces. In this video segment you will see the basic steps needed to Wax, Seal & Protect your non-skid. This will help keep the boat looking new.

So, lets take a look at what we need and how to do this.  Before we begin, make sure you have:

• Pro Polish
• Dual Action Polisher
• Brite Bonnet Final Polish Pad (2)
• Shurhold Soft Dual Action Polisher (DAP) Brush

Start by setting up your polisher with the DAP Soft Brush.  These brushes are designed to work polymer based wax / protectants into non-skid.   You will only need 1 brush for the entire project.

We will work in a small 2 foot square area at a time and move on as we finish each area.

Shake the Pro Polish very well before beginning.  Then, apply the Pro Polish in a ring pattern directly to the non-skid deck.

Once the product is on the deck, place the brush face on the surface and then turn the machine on.  We want to start at about a speed 2.

The reason we start with the brush on the surface before turning it on or off, is to reduce slinging and mess of the product.

As soon as the machine is on we want to keep it moving using the a side to side overlapping pattern. (see image)  You do not want to apply a lot of pressure.  On a horizontal surface like your deck, the weight of the machine is enough.   Once we have done that pattern, we will do it again in the opposite direction up and down.  You should slowly move through this pattern set a couple of times until the product has almost totally disappeared.

Remember to turn the tool off before picking it up.

Now use the Brite Bonnet pad in your hand to easily wipe down the area you just worked.  Buffing up any excess material left behind.

When I go to my next area I like to overlap the last area by a couple of inches to make sure I do not miss any spots.  Then we start the process all over again.

Here are a couple of more tips and pitfalls to look out for:

• Do not use too much product, it will create a mess.  Use just enough to cover your area;
• Always apply product to the deck; and
• Never turn the machine on unless it is in contact with the surface.

The number one question I get asked about waxing a boat is how many coats should I put on.  When using Shurhold’s Pro Polish think of it more like a sunscreen.  2  or 3 coats today will not make it last any longer or work any better.  So I recommend  doing your 1st coat today and your second coat 4 months from now.

Until next time keep your boat CLEAN-N-SIMPLE!