Gelcoat takes a beating: salt spray, sun and hard water rinses at the dock. Spots and stains build up fast.
- Rinse salt with fresh water after every trip.
- Dry gelcoat so rinse water doesn’t spot.
- Dissolve X2 removes spots and stains on gelcoat.
- Protect with SFX1 or HybridCoat.
Why gelcoat dulls
Gelcoat is the glossy outer layer of a fiberglass boat. It takes strong sun, salt spray and constant wet-dry cycles. Salt and minerals dry onto it, and UV exposure over time can make it chalky and dull.
After every trip
What you’ll need
- Dissolve X2
- SFX1 or HybridCoat
- Fresh water hose
- Microfiber towels and pads
- Nitrile gloves
- Eye protection
- Rinse with fresh water to get salt off before it dries.
- Dry it with a clean microfiber or chamois, especially in the sun.
Removing spots and stains
Dissolve X2 works on boat gelcoat and chrome.
Dissolve X2 is a strong acid cleaner: its Safety Data Sheet lists it as causing severe skin burns and eye damage. Wear gloves and eye protection, keep it off your skin, and read the label before you start. Every sheet is on our SDS page.
- Wash and dry the area and work on a cool panel in the shade.
- Apply a small amount of Dissolve X2 to a microfiber applicator or towel.
- Work it over the stain. Older, heavier spots may need a second pass.
- Wipe clean with a clean, damp microfiber towel and check it in good light.
Protect it
A coat of SFX1 helps water bead off. For long-term protection on prepped gelcoat, HybridCoat lasts up to 5 years.
Work above the waterline in the shade, and keep products out of the water.
Above and below the waterline
Work above the waterline from the dock or on the trailer, in the shade, and keep products out of the water. Below-waterline growth and staining need different products and methods; check with your marina or boat maker.
Common mistakes to avoid
Leaving salt to dry. Rinse right away.
Air-drying after rinsing. That causes hard water spots.
Working in direct sun. Products dry too fast.
Letting runoff into the water. Work carefully, above the waterline.
A simple care schedule
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| After every trip | Rinse and dry. |
| Monthly | Spot-treat with Dissolve X2. |
| Seasonally | Protect with SFX1, or HybridCoat for years. |
Frequently asked questions
Can Dissolve X2 be used on gelcoat?
Yes. It works on boat gelcoat and chrome.
How do I prevent salt spots?
Rinse with fresh water after every trip, then dry.
Can I coat gelcoat?
SFX1 for easy protection, or HybridCoat on prepped gelcoat for up to 5 years.
Can HybridCoat be used on gelcoat?
Yes, it’s used on gelcoat as well as paint, glass and chrome.
How often should I protect gelcoat?
Reapply SFX1 when water stops beading.
