What Are The Leading Causes Of Boat Paint Oxidation?

Oxidation is a process in which a chemical reaction takes place that involves the moving of electrons. It occurs when the surface is exposed to electrolytes or cathodes. In simple steps, the surface of any object can be affected over time. Cars, marine, aircraft, or any other vehicle exposed to air can lead to oxidation. Most boat owners use the best boat wax for oxidation. Before we explain the importance of it, let’s find the leading cause of paint oxidation.

 

Leading causes of paint oxidation

 

UV rays

One of the most significant sources of paint oxidation is direct exposure to sunlight. But it is also a fact that only sunlight cannot cause oxidation. Oxidation is produced by oxygen and heat. As the UV rays hit the boat coat, it penetrates the coating and heats the paint. It introduces oxygen to the paint and heat absorbed by the metal, causing oxidation.

 

Salt

People living near coastal areas can understand the negative impact of salt on their equipment and boats. The salt can cause rust to the boat exterior, undercarriage, motor mounts, body panel, exhaust pipes, etc. Salt is sodium chloride, which is corrosive. The real problem occurs when the salt is left on the boat hull, especially when the boat is exposed to sunlight. As the salt crystals heat, they affect the paint surface and get into the bare metal surface, causing rust.

 

Pollution

The pollution contains a vast amount of carbon particulates that end up settling down on your boat paint. Carbon contains microscopic molecules that are jagged and hard, causing a scar on the clear coat. Pollution also causes acid rain, which is prone to massive paint oxidation.

 

If you look at all causes of paint oxidation, it is clear that oxidation will take place for sure. The best way to prevent paint oxidation is not to take the boat in the water and keep it covered all the time. But it is next to impossible for anyone. All you can do is to slow down the oxidation process by taking some preventive measures. For instance, do regular washing using the best quality washing liquid and keep the boat covered when you do not use it. Last but not least, consider boat waxing.

 

Apply the best boat wax

Applying a wax coat is one of the most effective ways to handle the boat oxidation issue. The boat wax basically creates a protective layer on the paint that does not let debris, salt, grime, and dirt directly affect the paint and hull. But you cannot solely depend on waxing. Experts suggest frequent boat cleaning as soon as you find debris on the boat paint. The boat wax is applied once in one or two months. But the boat cleaning with water and cleaning solutions must be done at least oncea week. 

 

There is a particular way to wax your boat. For instance, firstly, remove all debris from the boat surface. Secondly, wash your boat with high-pressure water steam and let it dried. Eventually, start applying the wax in a clockwise motion. This is how the boat waxing activity takes place. Hence, keep your boat protected and look shiny, taking all preventive measures, including regular boat waxing.