Silcone for exterior paint?

[Capndan]

I owned an inland marina for 20 years and our shop used Kel pure silcone spray to restore badly faded fiberglass as it lasted much longer than a buff and wax. I did a small test spot on the side of our Hatteras and got the usual instant shine and waxed like surface. Our paint is dull but in good shape and wondered if anyone else has tried this product on painted fiberglass. Its very easy to use just spray on and let it dry then wipe with a soft towl. On our fiberglass boats up north the water would bead up and the shine would last for several years. I just don't know if there is any negative effects to a painted surface and the stronger effects of heat, salt and sun in the south.

 

[GJH]

I say no no no no no. Generally silicone is awful on gelcoat or painted surfaces on boats; it gets in and never gets out, very difficult to ever paint over it again. Use something like Finnesse-It II then seal with Rejex.

Will be interested to see other responses.

 

[tpld3]

Ditto what George said. If you use silicone spray or products containing silicone you will have intermittent adhesion problems at the least or wholesale failure of new paint at the worst. You can't sand it all out. DON'T USE IT on painted surfaces you might want to paint again.

Thom

 

[Capndan]

That's what I was afraid of. Very few people were willing to spend the money to paint worn gel coat on smaller boats unless it required repairs. Silcone was an inexpensive fix.
Good thing I brought a buffer with me! A lot of surface area to do!
Thanks