How do I Restore and Polish Awlgrip Paint?

Skipper October 4, 2011 Ask The Skipper

Patrick O’Boyle Kelly asked:

I have used a sample of your boat scrub on my deck with great result. Can it be used on my hull which has been Allgriped some years ago. It’s now beginning to look a bit tired. I have a 1965 Viking 28 which I successfully race competitively.

Answer:

For your convenience, I’ve highlighted the hyperlinks. Click on the hyperlink to get more information about the selected product.

Boat Scrub can be a bit too aggressive for Awlgrip paint and should only be used as a last resort if the paint is badly faded or chalky and other remedies do not work. If you use it, make sure that you are using it with a damp sponge and be careful not to be too aggressive with it. Before using Boat Scrub, I suggest that you try washing the hull with a 1:4 solution of Boat Clean Plus and water and then try to polish it out with Kwik Shine. These are the products that most boat owners use on Awlgrip. If the Kwik Shine dies not restore the shine and color, then try the Boat Scrub and when you have the finish that you want, then protect it with Kwik Shine. Kwik Shine is safe for Awlgrip. The manufacture recommends that you do not use wax as that can react with the sun and cause the paint to blister.

Now that you have your deck restored, I suggest that you protect the finish with Sure Step. It will put a beautiful shine back on the deck (will look like it’s freshly painted) and will make it easy to maintain. No more scrubbing! Just wash it with a mop and a dilute solution of Boat Clean Plus and water. This product is favored by racing sailors as it adds traction, especially when the decks are wet.

Thanks for your question,

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar