When it comes to maintaining your boat or RV’s condition, oxidation is public enemy number one. But what is oxidation, and how does it affect your vehicle?
This natural chemical process is the reason your rig no longer looks like it did when you drove it off the lot. It’s frustrating to watch your vehicle’s glassy shine grow dull and its vibrant colors fade. Fortunately, there is a solution.
At Poli Glow®, we’ve been battling oxidation for over a quarter century, using a DIY-friendly system that works. So if you want to feel like you’re driving a brand-new boat or RV again, read on to learn how to effectively combat oxidation.
Table of Contents
2. Causes of Oxidation in Boats and RVs
3. Effects of Oxidation on Boats and RVs
4. Oxidation Prevention in Boats and RVs
6. Get Rid of Oxidation for Good
What Is Oxidation?
One thing that sets new boats and RVs apart from the junkers is their brilliant high-gloss finish. New vehicles have a gel layer on top of the fiberglass, which provides both protection and that perfect reflective shine. Let’s be real… brand-new rigs just look good!
Over time, this protective barrier will inevitably wear off through a process called oxidation. Simply put, oxidation is the natural breakdown of materials that are exposed to oxygen. When a surface (like your vehicle’s gelcoat) interacts with oxygen in the air, a chemical reaction takes place that causes degradation. It’s the same process that makes old fruit turn brown and copper pennies turn green.
When it comes to your boat or RV, oxygen molecules interact with the exterior surfaces to cause oxidation. This process is continuously happening, although you won’t be able to see the effects at first.
After a few months or years, however, the gelcoat may become dull, faded, or chalky. The sparkle disappears and stubborn stains begin to set in. You may notice your boat or RV starting to “age” and show signs of wear. Your adventure mobile is becoming oxidized.
It’s important to note that oxidation isn’t the same as corrosion or rust. Corrosion typically happens on metal surfaces that are exposed to both oxygen and moisture, while oxidation can happen anywhere. Maintaining the integrity of your boat or RV’s gelcoat can help to prevent water damage and corrosion on the siding.
Causes of Oxidation in Boats and RVs
Some oxidation is unavoidable (your rig is constantly exposed to air, after all!), but environmental factors are often to blame for speeding up the process. Boats and RVs are exposed to a lot of sketchy things that can degrade their gelcoats. These include:
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UV radiation from the sun
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Saltwater (for boats)
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Dirty fresh water
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Harsh weather (sleet, rain, snow)
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Extreme heat and cold
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Pollution
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Dead bugs or marine life
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Oil, gas, and chemicals
Without adequate protection, these contaminants are able to penetrate and break down your vehicle’s gelcoat. Saltwater and/or airborne pollutants corrode the protective barrier. Eventually, the gel layer may wear off completely, exposing the fiberglass underneath.
Prolonged sun exposure can accelerate this process, as UV radiation is a major source of free radicals. These unstable oxygen molecules cause damage to your vehicle at a cellular level, leading to visible deterioration over time.
Moisture and temperature extremes are also major culprits. Boats are designed to be used on the water (and RVs are made to withstand rain) but water can still penetrate the surface layers and cause oxidation. Temperature fluctuations may make your gelcoat expand and contract slightly, leaving it more porous and open to oxidative stress.
Effects of Oxidation on Boats and RVs
Oxidation doesn’t just look bad– it’s a serious maintenance issue that can build up over time and negatively impact your vehicle’s condition. The first sign of oxidation is usually a dull and/or chalky finish. You may notice that your boat or RV’s gelcoat has lost its original shine. Colors start to fade and a chalky white residue may form on the exterior surfaces.
This is the best time to intervene and remove the oxidation. If the issue isn’t fixed, oxidation can degrade the protective gelcoat barrier. As this layer weakens and breaks down, the exterior surfaces become more brittle and prone to damage. Your boat or RV is no longer protected from the elements.
This kicks off a vicious cycle: weakened surfaces are more vulnerable to environmental damage, which further weakens the surfaces, leaving them more exposed to damage.
If the oxidation is allowed to progress, you risk ending up with structural damage and expensive repair bills. The good news is that this cycle can be broken by removing the oxidation and sealing the gelcoat.
It’s always better to invest a little time and money into proactive maintenance rather than paying out the nose to fix severe damage caused by neglect. (And besides, who doesn’t want a rig that looks incredible every time you take it out?)
Oxidation Prevention in Boats and RVs
Preventing oxidation doesn’t have to be a hassle. By following a few simple “best practices” for boat and RV care, you can keep your rig oxidation-free for longer and extend the time between gelcoat restoration work. Here’s how to protect your ride:
Keep Your Vehicle Clean
Sorry to state the obvious, but regular cleaning is essential for keeping your vehicle’s exterior surfaces in great condition! The longer contaminants are allowed to sit on your gelcoat, the more time they have to damage and erode it. It’s especially important to wash your RV after every road trip and your boat after every day on the water. Dirt, muck and salt are not your friends!
Use Protective Covers
When your boat or RV isn’t in use, block sunlight and pollutants with a properly fitted cover. This will reduce wear and tear on your vehicle’s finish and help keep it clean. Put down the tarps– you want a high-quality cover made with waterproof, UV-resistant material. Make sure your cover has adequate vents to allow for proper airflow.
Apply a Protective Coating With UV Inhibitors
You can’t keep your boat or RV out of the elements 24/7 (and you wouldn’t want to!) but using the right products can provide an added layer of protection. These products form a hard barrier that helps preserve your vehicle’s finish. Look for sealants with UV inhibitors to deflect harmful radiation from the sun. We recommend Poli Slick Seal™ spray-on ceramic coating for boats and RVs with well-maintained gelcoats.
How Poli Glow® Can Help
The traditional solution to oxidation has been to wax your boat or RV. This process involves using an electric buffer with an abrasive compound to remove the oxidized layer, exposing the healthy gelcoat underneath. Then the entire surface is sealed with wax to create a protective top layer.
While waxing can be an effective approach, it’s typically labor- and time-intensive. Buffing your entire vehicle is a big job… and the wax must be reapplied every few months to keep the gelcoat looking new.
The Poli Glow® restoration system is completely different. Our Poli Ox™ oxidation remover forboats andRVs uses a proprietary cleaning formula with oxalic acid to effectively remove even heavy oxidation. No buffer or expensive professional detailing service needed!
Once the oxidation is gone and the original surface colors of your vehicle are uncovered, usePoli Glow® polish for boats orRVs to seal and protect your gelcoat. If you want all the products you need in one easy kit, check out ourPoli Glow® Deluxe Kit.
Again, we designed these products for easy DIY application– just wipe it on and let it cure for 48 hours. Prepare to be astounded by your vehicle’s transformation!
Your Poli Glow® coating will last for up to six years with a few annual maintenance coats. The Poli Glow® system helps to stop oxidation before it begins by protecting your rig against UV radiation, moisture, and pollutants. When it’s time for the next gelcoat restoration job, the coating can easily be removed with a chemical stripper.
Take a look at what your fellow boat and RV owners have to say about Poli Glow®:
Incredible!
“So easy to use. Restored a 1957 fiberglass boat to like new condition.” – Thomas K.
Made my RV like new again
“It had mild to severe oxidation on one side of my RV, we followed the directions to the T and it looks amazing my picture doesn't give justice to the product.” – Michael M.
It's insane how good it works!
“I have a 38 foot jayco that looks brand new as a result of Poli Glow.” – Jeff W.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Results
Want to spend less time dealing with oxidation and more time exploring? You’re not alone. The good news is that it’sreally easy to maintain your Poli Glow® finish. The protective coating adheres tightly to your vehicle’s exterior surfaces, which means it doesn’t wear off like wax.
Follow this simple maintenance routine to keep your surfaces looking great for longer:
✓ Stay on top of cleaning.
Surfaces treated with Poli Glow® are stain-resistant and easier to clean. Make sure to hose down your vehicle with fresh water regularly and wash it at least a few times a month. Avoid abrasive cleaners and tools, which can damage the integrity of the protective layer.
✓ Don’t skip the touch-ups.
After you restore your boat or RV, the goal is to keep it in that condition. That’s where maintenance coats of Poli Glow® come in. Regular touch-ups can prolong the life of your glossy finish and help it to last as long as possible.
✓ Know when to re-apply Poli Glow®.
The frequency of maintenance coats will depend on your local weather and how often you use your boat or RV. As a general rule, vehicles in hot and humid climates will require more coats of Poli Glow® and more frequent applications.See this chart for specific guidelines based on your climate zone.
Keep an eye on your vehicle for early warning signs of oxidation, such as dull colors, a chalky finish, staining and loss of shine. These are all signs that it’s time to reapply Poli Glow®.
Get Rid of Oxidation for Good
Oxidation is a major concern for boat and RV owners… but it doesn’t need to stop you from taking pride in your investment. Preventative measures like regular cleaning, using covers, and keeping your rig out of the sun can slow down the oxidation process. And with the right plan of attack, it’s possible to restore even heavily oxidized vehicles to “like-new” condition.
The Poli Glow® system doesn’t just get rid of oxidation… it also seals and protects your gelcoat to keep the problem from coming back. You can expect up to six years of protection from a single restoration job (with a few maintenance coats each year).
And since we’ve tried nearly everything on the market, we can confidently tell you that nothing beats the Poli Glow® gloss and shine. Don’t take our word for it… try it and see for yourself!
You can find everything you need to quickly and effectively remove oxidation in our Poli Ox™Boat Oxidation Removal Kit orRV Oxidation Removal Kit.If you want all the products you need in one easy kit, including our flagship Poli Glow® polish alternative, check out ourPoli Glow® Deluxe Kit.
