Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of gelcoat chalking. Together with dirt and fender abrasion, it eats tiny fragments out of the surface over time. What remains is a micro-sized crater landscape; the gelcoat appears matt and rough. A condition that you want to avoid for as long as possible after the painstaking polishing process.
This is precisely the task of a sealant. The waxes or polymer products contain UV filters and work in a similar way to sun cream - they extend the time until "sunburn" occurs, i.e. until the harmful radiation can attack the gelcoat.
In our long-term test over 13 months, the sealants from 3M, Maincare, Möwe, Polish & Protect and Renskib had to prove how well they protect the freshly polished hull. This much in advance: the differences were considerable, regardless of the price of the product.
Plus: how metals can be polished quickly and amazingly clean with diamond sponges.
You can read the full test in YACHT 5/2019. DK-Shop available. Or you can download the test directly via the link below.
