Your boat’s painted surfaces need proper care and attention to keep that unblemished shine.
A shiny yacht, thanks to a high-gloss finish, catches the eye of everyone on the docks. The degree of gloss may seem a matter of perception, but it can be measured in gloss units (GU) of how well a surface reflects light — using a device that throws a beam of light onto a surface at a specific angle and then measures how much light is reflected. A very well-finished yacht has a gloss level above 90 GU, which can be higher depending on the paint system and quality of the paintwork, head of research and development at Alexseal Yacht Coatings Jens Büning says.
Another evaluation of a surface is its distinctness of image (DOI), which measures the sharpness of the reflection. Using a device that shoots laser beams at the surface at different angles, the quality is measured on a scale of zero to 100, with 90 or higher being impressive DOI. A surface with high gloss units and DOI is down to the quality of the paint and topcoat application.
“Yacht coatings consist of five different layers. The four layers below the topcoat provide corrosion protection but also smooth the usually very uneven surfaces of the yacht construction,” explains Thomas Schultz, Alexseal sales director. “The more attention paid to smoothness in the lower layers, the better the chance of an extremely glossy final layer.”
A major challenge affecting yacht surfaces is UV radiation, especially yachts cruising in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean with high levels of exposure nearly year-round. The sun’s radiation affects the paint surface and, over time, if not cared for, causes it to lose its shine, Jens says. The dual season usage also means crew have less time to thoroughly clean the boat at the necessary weekly intervals. Aligning proper maintenance cycles of the surfaces with a tight charter schedule requires strict and good planning on the part of the crew.
Care and maintenance of painted surfaces mean cleaning regularly with the correct products and equipment — otherwise you risk damaging the surface or leaving streaks. Proper cleaning is based on a mechanism of action that includes four aspects: chemistry, mechanics, temperature and time.
The meaning of cleaning
Right Products (Chemistry)
The basic need for cleaning is soft, clean and fresh water. (Using salt water can damage the surface, and hard water can bring a dull appearance to the coating.) The paint surface should be washed using a mild detergent with a neutral pH formulated for paint finishes. Be aware that aggressive detergents can strip off the wax and protective sealant, exposing the paint surface to UV and potential staining. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do practical tests on a non-visible area.
Right Equipment (Mechanics)
Abrasive brushes, sponges or pads should not be used on paint, as they can cause scratches and damage the finish. Use soft, clean wash mitts and brushes specifically designed for washing painted surfaces. After washing, it is essential to dry the surface to prevent water spots — using a quality towel, chamois and/or a wiping blade wherever possible.
Right Conditions (Temperature)
Cleaning painted surfaces in favorable weather conditions, such as mild temperatures, can make the process more efficient and effective. High temperatures and direct sunlight will cause cleaners and sealers to dry on the surface and create a persistent film, which can be challenging to remove. This means yachts need to be cleaned in the early morning, in the evening or during the night, depending on the area where you are located.
Regularity (Time)
The time factor includes both the cleaner’s contact time with the surface and the cleaning process’s working time. Thanks to a longer contact time, dirt is often softened and easier to remove from the substrate. Always check the product instructions of your individual cleaner to choose the right time. But also the longer you wait, the more complex the cleaning work becomes and the more the paintwork is affected. The paint surface should be washed at least once a week to prevent time-related issues.
Thomas Schultz is the sales director of Alexseal Yacht Coatings, the brand of Mankiewicz Coatings for the yacht industry. alexseal.com