Marine wax for Autohome hardshell tents

[Corey]

My roof is groady from snow, ice, fall out, and the tree I park under at work and home.

From reading Autohomes page, they say to use a good marine type wax to protect the fiberglass.
http://autohomeus.com/info/care.php

Store the tent, if possible, under cover or indoors. UV light – even on UV resistant materials – will eventually cause damage. Fiberglass gelcoat may darken slightly after prolonged exposure to UV radiation. A marine fiberglass restorer will refresh the tent, and a quality marine wax (with UV inhibitors) will protect your tent. Many of our users leave their tents on their vehicles year round. If you do this, cleaning and waxing is the right way to extend the tent's life indefinitely.

I do not have the option to take my tent off and store it where I live, so it is out in the elements 24/7.

Vehicle wax I am very familiar with as I have always detailed my own vehicles.
But having never waxed a boat made out of fiberglass or a tent, what is a good brand to go with?

And for those familiar with a Porter Cable random orbital sander, that is how I have been detailing my rigs for the past ten years almost using Griots products.

Can a boat type wax be used this way too?
It would make it go on a lot easier and work into the 'glass.

 

[kb7our]

Corey,

I use this stuff on my RV (even to dry wash it) and on my new Columbus Carbon tent, tires, etc. Just spray on and buff off using a microfiber cloth. A little pricey but absolutely a fantastic product and you can obtain a free sample from the link. Best savings is to purchase a gallon (got mine on Amazon) then use your own spray bottle. I have tried many other products and have arrived at this one which suits many purposes. No affiliation with the product other than being a satisfied consumer of it.

http://www.303products.com/tech/ind...Product_ID=428&CFID=46956639&CFTOKEN=78066550


Wade

 

[Corey]

Thanks Wade, I have heard of the product.
Is this more of a product to put on after you have used a marine wax to seal the surface?

 

[kb7our]

If I recall the answer to my same question was spray right on the gel coat in place of wax since the surface is already sealed and ok to use an orbital buffer if you really want to. Follow the link I provided as you can get your own official response by submitting your question directly to the company. Perhaps others have used the product as well.

Wade

 

[Corey]

Thanks, I think I will pick up a gallon this weekend.
I have been meaning too anyways, as it is good for rubber seals on the doors and other parts on the rig.

My rear ladder for the FJ should arrive tomorrow, so that will help in getting the tent top washed, and also let me apply the 303 from the rear somewhat.
I can use my 4' carwash ladder to get to other areas of the tent top.

 

[ntsqd]

In the past I've used a 3M "Marine Cleaner Wax" from West Marine on grungy gel-coated camper shells. At my normal waxing schedule, once every couple of years whether it needs it or not, I've yet to need to use 'normal' gel coat wax.

 

[mobilguy66]

303 Products

Corey, Wade hit it on the head. I use 303 on both my 34' Rinker Express and my 22' Robalo CC. My Rinker is a 2003 and still looks brand new. Water still beads from last year when I wash it in the spring. Everyone comments on how white my cockpit seating still looks. I am awaiting arrival of a new Host 300 Motor coach that will get the 303 detailing when it gets here. I also use the fabric protector on all my canvas. On gelcoat I spray, wipe down and then use an orbital buffer to polish. Any streaks can be removed with a microfiber towel or bonnet on buffer. Colinite Insulator Wax is also great on gelcoat but takes more time to use. Good Luck, Paul

 

[Corey]

Thanks Paul for the info.
When I get around to it, I will give the Porter Cable a try with it too.