Glidecoat Ceramics
First we compound and polish the boat to showroom standard. Then we degrease the surface with alcohol, before taking gloss meter readings, shooting for scores of 90 or above. From there we can start the application process, where we applying two coats of Glidecoat Ceramic Topcoat. This forms a thin, extremely tough, clear coat barrier that fills in the microscopic pores of the boat and preserves the glass finish underneath.
*Disclaimer the boats finish will look no shinier than a proper wax job, but it will hold up for much longer. Boats that do not polish out to 85 or above on the Glidecoat gloss meter are probably not worth coating. For boats scoring 85+, Glidecoat offers a 18 month warranty for the cost of ceramic material, if the topcoats gloss meter score drops more than 30% during 18mo.
With Glidecoat, you stand a chance against the sun and nothing sticks to it. When compared side by side with wax in harsh conditions it simply outlasts and outperforms. Due to its hard polymer coating, it reflects UV rays instead of dampening them like wax, giving you maximum protection.
Our goal is to maintain the top coat through wash maintenance so in return the following season, instead of showing up to buff the boat again, we can replenish the ceramic coating quarterly with Glidecoat shine and shield spray.
*Disclaimer this is not a permanent coating. Upkeep is essential for getting the most life out of the topcoat. I have yet to find the limits to using Glidecoat shine and shield spray to keep up on topcoating. Eventually though, you can expect the boat to need some light polishing when it’s time to re-apply topcoat.
It’s time for topcoat reapplication when the coating stops water beading, roughly 18-24 months after initial application. This is substantially less work than what it took to get everything up to topcoat standard the first time around.
The beauty of ceramic protection is that with proper washing maintenance alone, your topcoat application should last at least 18 months. You can then boost the longevity of the coating with a simple spray/wipe of shine and shield.
Instead of working the whole boat over every year, we now just do recommended spot maintenance.
I highly recommend this product for boats reaching 15-20+ years in age, or boats that receive a lot of sun exposure.
Many boats in this demographic share a common problem. Year after year, buffing has started to wear thin spots in the gelcoat. In severe cases you may already be dealing with unsightly fiberglass showing through. Let’s give the buffers a rest, and preserve that shine!
Upfront cost for ceramic application are high, but for those interested in the long term care of their boat, this is the ultimate protection.
You can stress less going further know that…
After initial application, you’re no longer paying for labor intensive buffing on a yearly basis.
Your boats gelcoat is truly being preserved, not cut away with each passing year.
Routine maintenance and upkeep has never been easier!
Over the long term, our goal is to cut as much buffing out of your yearly maintenance as possible.
Experience unparalleled protection with Glidecoat.
Finished photo of a 42’ Carver Motor Yacht - Proper surface preparation, followed by two coat of Glidecoat Alpha Topcoat
Mid way through the cutting process → Notice the chalk line on the right hand side in the photo below.
This boat receives yearly waxing service, and bi-weekly washing. Because of where it slips, the boat is highly exposed to sun. We’ve come back for compounding year after year. The owner said enough is enough, let’s put on something that will last.
Heavy cutting the area below the windshield on the same 42’ Carver. →
Notice the chalk line, how the area the sun shade covers is not oxidized. It took just one season for our buffing and waxing to fade in these harsh conditions.
More finished photos
Before and afters of this speedy yellow Crownline
