topside finishes on fiberglass

[Jimmy V]

Has anyone used Penetrol for a topside finish on fiberglass? Good Old Boat Jan /Feb2007 page 77. I'm Seriously considering using it and wood like some feedback.

[Clay Stalker]

I believe this is a restorer of sorts as opposed to a finish. I have never used it personally, but was intrigued by the Good Old Boat article as well. But I suspect that it might be something to use in place of compounding, and some kind of protective finish would still be necessary. I'd like to hear from anyone else who does use it.

Clay Stalker

[Oswego John]

Clay,

What you said is fact.

There might be some confusion in what will be used for the finish application.

The FLOOD company makes many finishing products. One of the original products was Penetrol. This is an additive to oil and alkyd paints which reduces brush drag, reduces brush marks and improves an even flow and a smooth finish.

Sometimes, Penetrol is applied to bare metal during mockup and fabrication to combat any rust or oxidation.

The Flood company also makes Deckworks, a one part deep wood cleaner, which is especially good for cleaning teak and mahogany. It is sometimes used to remove deep oxidation from fiberglass.

After using Deckworks, another Flood product called Glassworks is used to restore the original look and sheen of fiberglass and gel coat.

The makers of Cuprinol have many other products in their line. It's possible, but I haven't heard of any product called Cuprinol that is a paint or finish that is applied directly to the boat surface.

I guess that everyday, companies introduce new products for us to use. Maybe Cuprinol (Flood) has, too.

O J

[rtbates]

In the past I used it on my old Hobies and other fiberglass boats that were old and dry. It fills the fiberglass pores and gives a very nice sheen. I'd be cautious of using it on the non-skid. Haven't used it in Seraph, YET. Her glass is in pretty good shape.

[Bill Goldsmith]

Never tried Penetrol, but on Cathy's recommendation I tried PoliGlow last year and I am sticking with it. It provides a very shiny surface and protects the gelcoat. Once you complete the initial stripping and first application, all you need to do in the future is wash and reapply with a spongemop. No buffing.

[Clay Stalker]

I have never used Poliglow or Penetrol, but I am plenty tired of compounding, polishing, waxing, and having the results be only fair. I did use NewGlass2 on my former CD27, and I was very pleased with the result. On my next boat, I am going with Poliglow, which has received slightly better ratings than NewGlass. I might try some Penetrol on some of the deck areas, but the article in Good Old Boat cautions against using it anywhere that you regularly touch or lean against as it seems to pick up stains from sweat etc. One thing I did learn while using NewGlass is that most people who don't get good results from these products did not follow very closely the directions, particularly with respect to prep. I used to get lots of compliments on the appearance of my CD27, and one person even asked once if she had been Awlgripped!!! Imagine that.

Clay Stalker