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Water Ways Ray Pendleton |
New product works
great on oxidationAs most boaters in Hawaii know, our tropical sun can oxidize the finish off an anchor.
So when it comes to the finish of most fiberglass boats, they're particularly at risk. In just a few months, without constant waxing, their once-shiny gel-coat surfaces become as dull and chalky as an elementary-school blackboard.
I'm speaking from experience here, because that was an apt description of my one-man outrigger canoe -- until last week.
As a lifelong member in the procrastinator's club, I had put off waxing my 21-foot craft so long that I was faced with the compounded chore of removing its oxidation with a rubbing compound before I could even think of applying the wax.
And, of course, the longer I waited, the harder the job became and the easier it was to continue putting the whole thing off.
But then I happened to meet David Takiguchi, manager at GP Maintenance Solutions, Inc., who introduced me to a new product called MicroGuard.
Now, before I say more, let me assure you, I have no connection with Takiguchi, his company, or its product, and have received nothing more than a couple of sample bottles to try.
But after using MicroGuard just once, I'd feel guilty not telling Water Ways readers about my experience with it. The stuff is that hot.
To begin with, instead of being faced with using a rubbing compound to remove the oxidation, the only prep work required was washing the surface with a dishwashing detergent and water.
After drying the boat, the next step was to spray the clear liquid onto its surface and then use a soft cloth to spread it evenly around and into the gel-coat.
As the MicroGuard dried, all it took was easy buffing with a dry cloth (Takiguchi recommends using micro-fiber) to bring back my canoe's old shine.
It was unquestionably the easiest boat polishing job I've ever done and if the product brochure can be believed, I won't have to do it again for at least three months.
The same brochure describes MicroGuard as an inorganic, water-based polish and sealer originally developed for NASA that will withstand Hawaii's extreme ultraviolet rays as well as saltwater.
It not only beautifies and protects fiberglass, but can be used in your boat's cabin, galley, head and shower, and on finished and unfinished wood.
The brochure also explains how various formulas of the same product can be used to protect more than just boats.
Concrete, wood, metal, masonry, ceramic, glass, leather, vinyl, plaster and painted surfaces can all be protected, according to its manufacturer. And it claims to protect against mold, mildew, corrosion, fading and stains, as well as oxidation.
Now, if you're thinking, "how come this guy gets a free sample of this new product and I don't?" I've got good news for you.
Takiguchi is very interested in what Hawaii's boaters think of MicroGuard, so he is offering Water Ways readers each a free, 2 oz. trial-size sample bottle.
The only catch is that to receive your free sample, you must pick it up at the GP Maintenance Solutions office at 110 Puuhale Road in Honolulu (phone 848-0440) and agree to participate in a product evaluation study by completing a short questionnaire.
If you get the same results I got, it will definitely be worth the trouble.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Ray Pendleton is a free-lance writer based in Honolulu.
His column runs Saturdays in the Star-Bulletin.
He can be reached by e-mail at raypendleton@mac.com.
