Frequently Asked Questions

Almost all Vertglas applications proceed smoothly and easily. However, our customers have found this section to be helpful to understand what to expect and answer any questions should they arise.

Yellowing of Gel Coat:

Discoloration of Vertglas #3 Coating:

One of the most common causes of discoloration is from Aloe that is found in sunscreens. If this occurs, remove the old coating and recoat as necessary. Gasoline can also discolor Vertglas. Remove coating and recoat, apply 1-2 coatings of wax over the Vertglas in the affected area.

Dulling of Finish:

Many types of cleaners may damage and dull the coating of Vertglas #3 Color Restorer/Sealer. It is best to avoid high pH alkaline type cleaners like multipurpose spray and wipe type cleaners, tile cleaners, bleach, some teak cleaners, etc. Acidic products do not harm Vertglas.

Answers to some questions we have been asked:

Question: I cannot remove the oxidation. I still have a white chalky surface.

First, determine if it really is chalk on the surface or is it just dull. Wipe surface with dark cloth or your finger. Is a white residue present? Wet the surface, does the color come back or do you still see chalk and oxidation?

If yes, then oxidation is still on the surface. Go back to step 1. Try using little or no water to make the product more aggressive. Be sure and use the scrub pad. The color of the gel coat will usually appear on the white pad when all oxidation is gone.

If no, then you should be able to proceed to step 2 & 3. If you have already tried and you still see white oxidation on surface under the Vertglas #3 coating then refer to next troubleshooting question.

Question: I have done steps 1,2 & 3 but there is a whitish appearance under the #3 coating (usually in spots or patches).

Cause: Do you have enough coats applied?

Solution: Refer to #3 instructions, usually 6-8 coats.

Cause: Oxidation is still present on the surface.

Solution: You will need to remove the coats of #3 with Vertglas #4 Sealer Remover and redo steps 1 & 2.

Question: I have done steps 1, 2 & 3 but there is a whitish appearance in the coating in areas following the direction of application or applicator width.

Cause: The #3 was applied too heavily and also not given enough time to dry.

Solution: Remove the coating with #4 Sealer Remover being careful not to spill on other surfaces and reapply #3.

Hint: Apply #3 to applicator via the squirt top cap. Do not dip applicator in pan because it can put too heavy a coating on applicator.

Hint: When #3 is applied it should be clear. Never milky in appearance.

Hint: The #3 was not given enough time to dry given the weather conditions refer to dry time schedule in this manual.

Cause: It has rained on the coating before it has adequately cured.

Question: I have applied Vertglas but the surface is not shiny.

Cause: Not enough coats were applied.

Solution: Usually 2-4 coats are needed to achieve an even shine and 4 more additional coats for durability and protection. Pick a small area and apply more coats. The gloss should increase.

Question: I have done steps 1, 2 & 3 and the finish appears streaky.

Type of streak:

1. Follow application direction and width of applicator (cloudiness in coating)

Cause: Too heavy a coat - See troubleshooting question 3.

or

Cause: Not enough dry time - See troubleshooting question 3.

2. Follow application direction. Noticeable overlaps of strokes

Cause: Not enough coats -See troubleshooting question 4.

Solution: More coats will level out coating. It is helpful to stagger the strokes of each coat so the overlap at start and stop and top and bottom is not always in the same area.

3. Follows application direction. Varied streaks and fluorescing of coating throughout stroke pattern.

Cause: Applicator too dry during application.

Solution: Apply another coat, this time apply more #3 to applicator. It should glide along surface and not drag.

Cause: Applicator dirty or clogged with dried or drying #3.

Solution: Rinse applicator in water periodically during use.

Cause: Surface is too hot. This is making the Vertglas dry on the surface too quickly.

Solution: Remove boat from direct sunlight or keep applicator wetter with #3 or perform coats in early morning before surface heats up.

Cause: Applicator has been washed in water and is too wet to absorb the #3.

Solution: Rinse applicator in water. Squeeze out excess and blot with a clean dry cloth or set out to dry.

Question: The Vertglas #3 finish is scuffing excessively.

Cause: Dirt on surface

Solution: Clean boat regularly with Vertglas #2 Boat Wash .

Question: I have had Vertglas #3 on my boat for several months or years and the finish is starting to dull.

Solution: Clean surface with Vertglas Boat Wash. If it is still slightly dull it is time to apply 2 to 3 more coats of Vertglas #3. See NEXT YEAR section of this guide.

Question: I have had Vertglas #3 on my boat for several months or years and the finish is dull and whitish in some areas.

Cause: The effects of UV, water, etc. have broken down the coating.

Solution: The coating should be removed using Vertglas #4 Sealer Remover then reapplied using steps 1, 2 & 3. Be sure to apply the recommended 6-8 number of coats; less than recommended will lead to a shortened coating life. Try applying more coats than you did last time, this should extend the coating life.

Question: Dull and whitish areas on Vertglas #3 finished application.

Cause: Surface was cleaned or washed with an alkaline (high pH) cleaner.

Solution: Apply more coats of Vertglas #3 using instructions in the NEXT YEAR section of this guide manual. Avoid multipurpose spray cleaners, tile cleaners, abrasive cleaners, black streak removers (other than Vertglas #60) bleach and teak cleaners.

Question: As I am applying Vertglas #3 the coating is not wetting out the surface. The coating is pulling back or beading up.

Cause: There is wax on the surface.

Solution: Remove wax as instructed in "TIPS BEFORE STARTING" section of this guide.

Cause: Residual soap on surface.

Solution: Rinse surface thoroughly with water.

Cause: Step 2 was skipped.

Solution: Wash boat thoroughly as instructed in step 2.