How to...Protect & Shine Non Skid Decks

Background: Non Skid Decks

The Non Skid or textured patterns on your deck are designed to provide a non slip surface for you to walk on, even when the deck is wet. These areas are usually reinforced to support your weight without bending or cracking. The two most popular patterns for this texture are diamond and random sand.

Traditionally, these surfaces were never to be waxed or polished with conventional waxes as this would make them dangerously slippery, especially when the deck, swim platform or cockpit were wet. The only way to keep them clean was constant scrubbing.

In 1999, Aurora Marine Industries invented Aurora Sure Step, the world's first polish especially made for sealing, shining and protecting the non skid deck surfaces without making them slippery.

For best results the surface must be properly cleaned and prepared with Aurora Boat Clean and Aurora Boat Scrub . Failure to properly prep the surface may result in delaminating of the polish or a slippery surface.

Caution: Things to Avoid when Cleaning or Applying Aurora Sure Step

1) Use only Aurora Boat Clean and Aurora Boat Scrub to prep the surface. Other cleaners may not be compatible, or contaminants that will inhibit the performance of Aurora Sure Step

2) The surface must be perfectly clean and free of stains prior to applying Aurora Sure Step, otherwise the dirt or stain will be set into the gel coat and may become indelible.

3) Do not use a sponge or cloth when applying Aurora Sure Step to sandy or aggressive textures as the fabric will tear. A soft bristled brush is recommended.

4) Make sure that the surface is perfectly dry. Aurora Sure Step will not adhere properly to wet or damp surfaces.

Products Required:

Aurora Boat Clean
Aurora Boat Scrub
Aurora Sure Step
Deck Brush
Water
Sponge or Soft Bristled Brush
Soft Clean Cloth and / or Soft Bristled Brush.

Aurora Sure Step is the world's first pressure sensitive polish especially made for sealing, shining and protecting the non skid areas from dirt, grime, sneaker prints, UV degradation and oxidation. The polish is easily applied, like a conventional liquid polish, and the resultant finish is a shinny surface that is slippery to dust and dirt.

Dust just blows off and dirt or sneaker prints can be hosed off or washed with the rest of the boat. When pressure is applied, however, such as the weight of a boater, this pressure creates traction. The heavier the weight the greater the traction. When the surface is wet, the traction increases even more.

Deck shoes should be worn at all times when on the boat, for safety reasons, however adequate grip will also be present to bare feet, when using the boat for swimming or other water sports. Stocking feet should be avoided.

Procedure: Directions

Prepare a solution of 1 part Aurora Boat Clean to 4 parts water and wash the non skid areas using a sponge or deck brush. Rinse. While the surface is still wet, apply a small amount of Aurora Boat Scrub and brush in opposing directions with a deck brush or other stiff brush. Rinse with clean water and dry with a chamois or let air dry. If stains or scuff marks are still present, apply Aurora Boat Scrub to stain or scuff marks and scrub clean with a stiff brush or dry clean cloth. Rinse and let dry. Aurora Boat Clean and Aurora Boat Scrub are environment friendly and may safely be used while the boat is in the water.

Apply Aurora Sure Step with a damp sponge or soft bristled brush, rubbing in well. Depending on the age of the boat and how dried out the gel coat is, more or less product will be absorbed in the first application. When the polish dries to a haze, lightly and quickly buff the surface to a shine with a clean dry cloth or soft bristled brush. (Shoe brush type). Wait 24 hours before applying a 2nd coat.

Tips & Tricks: How the Pros Do it

1) A cloth should not be used on sandy type textures as the fabric will tear. Us only a brush.

2) For diamond type textures, the residue remaining in the texture can be brushed out. Buffing with a cloth will result in a higher shine.

3) Apply when temperature is between 45°F and 75°F and in a shaded area, otherwise the polish will dry too quickly and streak. If streaking occurs, reapply polish and buff before it has a chance to dry.

4) For regular maintenance, wash the boat with 1 part Aurora Boat Clean to 15 parts water.

5) Polish the topsides and smooth surfaces of the deck with Aurora Boat Shine for maximum protection, life and shine.

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© 2006 Aurora Marine Industries Inc.