How to Clean, Polish, and Wax Your Boat

Got stains? TotalBoat White Knight fiberglass stain remover can be used on fiberglass, gelcoat, and painted hulls and transoms to remove stubborn rust, scum, and exhaust stains. Also works great on waterline stains such as algae and scum.

Before you start, wear gloves and eye protection. Wet the area first, then always test in a small, inconspicuous spot before using on a larger area. Use a brush or a clean rag to apply a thin layer of White Knight to the surface.

Wait 10-15 minutes for White Knight to work, then scrub lightly with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water to remove the fiberglass stain remover before it dries.

Application Tips: Don't let White Knight dry on the surface, or it'll take more effort to remove. Tough stains may need a second application.

TotalBoat Boat Soap is 100% biodegradable and easy to use, so it’s safe to use in the driveway or at the marina.

To use, just add the appropriate amount of Boat Soap to a bucket, then add water (add 1 cap of Boat Soap per gallon of water).

Rinse the boat first. Then use a soft, long-handled brush or a sponge soaked with soapy water and scrub lightly, then rinse completely with clean water.

Finally, hand dry or allow the surface to air dry before masking, polishing, and waxing.

To prevent bottom paint from getting rubbed around in the polish and wax, mask below the waterline. Be sure to use a quick-release masking tape that won’t leave residue.

It's important to remove all previous wax and contamination from the boat before you apply rubbing compound. Different finishes will require different products, as described below.

Dewaxing Gelcoat: Wet a clean, lint-free cotton rag with TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep, acetone, or TotalBoat Eco Solvent. Wipe the surface with the dampened rag, then follow with a second dry, clean rag to dry the surface. Repeat this 2-rag wiping method until the entire surface has been dewaxed, changing rags often.

Dewaxing 2-Part Paints: Although TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep, acetone, or TotalBoat Eco Solvent may work, it's important to contact the paint manufacturer to determine if these solvents are safe for use with their paint system, in order to avoid warranty issues. Some manufacturers may have proprietary products for their systems.

Dewaxing 1-Part Paints: Do not use harsh solvents on 1-part paints because solvents can remove, dull, or soften these coatings. Here is a concoction that's safe for 1-part paints, and also works for other cleaning applications: Make a mixture of TSP and clean water, mix together, then add 2-5% Simple Green.

For 1 part paints, softly scrubbing the surface with a white or gray Scotch-Brite pad will also help to remove wax. Be careful not to scrub too hard.

TotalBoat TotalBuff is a fast-cut liquid rubbing compound that removes heavy oxidation and 600-800 grit wet sanding scratches. Apply it with a clean cotton rag to an area 2’ x 2’. Do not allow it to dry completely.

Buff with an electric buffer with a wool (not foam) compounding pad attached. Continue this process until the entire surface is covered. When finished, remove residue by wiping the surface with a clean microfiber rag soaked with clean clear water.

Compounding Tips:

When buffing, start slowly with more pressure, and finish with high speed and light pressure, for best results.

It’s easier if you have one person applying TotalBuff, and another person buffing the surface, so you can work more efficiently and finish the job faster.

TotalBoat TotalShine removes compound swirl marks and fine sanding scratches to leave a high-gloss, glazed finish. Apply it with a clean cotton rag to an area 2’ x 2’. Do not allow it to dry completely.

Buff with an electric buffer with a wool polishing pad attached. Continue this process until the entire surface is covered.

Tip: When polishing, start slowly with more pressure, and finish with high speed and light pressure, for best results.

When finished, remove residue with a clean microfiber cloth soaked with clean clear water.

Dry the surface with a clean cotton rag.

TotalBoat Premium Boat Wax is a wipe-on, wipe-off, easy to use, non-abrasive marine paste wax that leaves a hard, lustrous, protective finish. Start with a clean surface. Use a soft applicator pad to apply Premium Boat Wax in a circular motion to small areas at a time. Do not allow the wax to dry completely.

Rub off the wax with a clean soft microfiber cloth.

The microfiber cloth removes extra wax, leaving a shiny, protected surface.

Tip: If the microfiber cloth becomes saturated with wax, it can take more effort and more time to remove the wax on the surface. To prevent this, change out microfiber towels, as needed.

When you're done, stand back, admire the shine, and get ready to splash!

Stay safe while cleaning, polishing, and waxing your boat by wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job at hand.

Read the safety information on all product labels.

Read the information in the SDS (safety data sheets) for each product, especially Section 8: Exposure Controls / Personal Protection.

Gather the proper PPE items, as stated by the manufacturers, for example, respirators, protective gloves, and proper eye, face, skin, and clothing protection.