Boat Bright
Seat Soap
Spot Solver
Boot Butter
TECH TIPS
Boat Bright User Tips
What is Gelcoat?
Gelcoat is a thin, porous mix of polyester resin and pigment that is sensitive to the damaging effects of ultra-violet (UV) rays and environmental contaminates. Left unprotected, gelcat will begin to deteriorate fading and dulling the finish over time. This is called oxidation.
The most common method boaters use to maintain their gelcoat is to apply wax to the gelcoat fiberglass using traditional wax products as often as possible. However, traditional waxes do not contain UV protectants and once exposed to boating conditions will quickly deteriorate. Also, the effort to apply wax on a boat is arduous and time consuming. The result is boaters do not wax their boat as often as necessary to maintain the finish and appearance.
Why Boat Bright
Boat Bright employs a specially formulated, synthetic wax blend with UV protectants to provide extreme water repellency, gloss, scratch resistance and durability. Boat Bright is without question the easiest most effective product to use on a regular basis to maintain the finish and appearance of your boat. And, the more you use Boat Bright, the better it performs.
Importance of UV Protectants
UV Protectants are categorized in two general classifications. One type of protectant absorbs UV radiation and the other inhibits UV degradation by acting as a light stabilizer. Our advanced formula of Boat Bright utilizes a 50/50 “synergistic” blend of both to provide powerful UV protection. A simple frequent wipe on application of Boat Bright will assist in protecting against color fade, chalking and oxidation associated with UV degradation.
How to Apply Boat Bright
Boat Bright may be applied as often as you like to gelcoat fiberglass, glass, plexiglass, stainless steel and other related marine exterior parts. Boat Bright can be used on wet or dry surfaces, in direct sunlight or in the shade.
Spray a light mist, then wipe the surface with soft, absorbent cloth, turning cloth on a regular basis until surface becomes completely dry. Unlike wax, Boat Bright does not need to dry before it is wiped off. If Boat Bright has dried on the surface, it is easily removed by spraying the area with more Boat Bright, then wiping dry.
For superior results, we recommend using BABE’s Extreme Towels. These commercial grade micro-fiber towels prevent the product from being absorbed in the towel and create a high polished finish to the surface.
Restoring Gelcoat
BABE’S Boat Bright is a maintenance product not a “restoration” product. For surfaces that have deteriorated and become oxidized, a more aggressive treatment is necessary. We suggest you visit your local marine store and secure a compound designed to restore gelcoat or contact your local professional boat detailer
Seat Soap User Tips
What is Vinyl?
Vinyl is widely known as a soft flexible material used mainly for upholstering furniture and automotive interiors. This form of vinyl is a plasticized version of PVC Plasticizer oil is usually a petroleum by-product that gives vinyl its flexibility. A wide range of vinyls are produced for different purposes, both with and without fabric backing. Sunlight, heat and dirt will break down vinyls.
Marine upholstery endures incredible abuse on a daily basis through normal use out on the water. The confusion starts on what to use to clean and maintain your upholstery. Manufacturers suggest “Regular washing with mild detergent and warm water or vinyl cleaners is sufficient to keep the cushions and vinyl coverings in good condition.” As a consumer, we review the short list of products listed in the owner’s manual and find that the vinyl cleaner you have is not on the list and you’re concerned about damaging the vinyl. Our suggestion is to focus on the list that indicates “Unacceptable Upholstery Cleaners” and do not use any of those.
Many chemical manufacturers blend multi purpose degreasers and then re-name the products vinyl cleaners. The problem with re-labeled degreasers is that they are formulated with caustic ingredients and solvents that will damage your vinyl and stitching. BABE’S Seat Soap utilizes soap and mild biodegradable cleaners safe for use on a regular basis.
About Seat Soap
BABE’S Seat Soap has specifically been formulated to exceed the performance specifications outlined by marine upholstery manufacturers. This pH-balanced mild cleaner effectively cleans without drying the vinyl or stitching. And, Seat Soap has a conditioning base solution that conditions your boat’s interior while it cleans. A major benefit of using Seat Soap is that it can be used on a regular basis. Use Seat Soap as often as needed to maintain the new appearance of your upholstery.
How to Use and Apply Seat Soap
Spray apply a light misting of Seat Soap and allow to set for a period of up to one minute, scrub with brush if necessary to remove dirt/grime from the fine crevices and wipe with damp terry cloth towel. Seat Soap will leave your upholstery feeling soft and naturally clean. Finish with BABE’S Seat Saver to fully condition and provide UV protection.
Stains and Restoration
BABE’S Seat Soap is not a stain remover or restorative product. Once a stain has set into vinyl it is very difficult to remove if at all. Stains actually permeate into the vinyl and become part of the material structure. In addition, once your vinyl begins to degrade, deteriorate and crack it may not be restorable. We suggest you consult a marine vinyl upholstery specialist.
Spot Solver User Tips
What are Hard Water Spots?
Hard water spots are a build up of calcium and silicate deposits formed on your boats surface from dissolved minerals in the water. If left on the surface for an extended period these minerals will permeate, attach and potentially etch into the surface making it more difficult to remove.
Why Spot Solver
BABE’S Spot Solver is made of non abrasive organic acids blended specifically for gelcoat, glass or chrome surfaces. Its easy-to-use process is designed to wet the surface, penetrate and break down the deposits naturally. And because there are no abrasives the formula does not harm the gelcoat or other hard surfaces.
How to Apply Spot Solver
Spray a light application to the affected area, let set up for up to one minute. Simply wipe off with a clean damp towel. You can re-apply to areas that get significant exposure. For tough spots use a soft polishing pad. Be sure to follow up with BABE’S Boat Bright to seal the gelcoat with protective agents.
Restoration
Spray Spot Solver on the affected surface and lightly scrub with a soft polishing pad. Then wipe clean with a damp or dry, clean towel. Very oxidized and water spotted gelcoat surfaces may be beyond repair with this technique and require professional service.
Seat Saver User Tips
About Seat Saver
BABE’S Seat Saver is designed to provide ultimate protection for marine upholstery and vinyl surfaces. Formulated with an all natural vegetable based polyester composition and two UV protectants, Seat Saver aids in preserving the natural qualities of upholstery. Seat Saver is a non-silicone based product so it will not leave an oily or slippery finish. And, it provides natural anti-wear protection and waterproof qualities helping to extend the life of marine vinyl.
How to Apply Seat Saver
Apply a light mist on clean surface, wipe off with a soft, clean, dry towel. Recommended to use after cleaning with BABE’S Seat Soap or by itself as a general UV protectant.
Boot Butter User Tips
Why Lubricate?
Binding technology has drastically changed over the past few years thanks to the popularity of wakeboarding. Manufacturers have made bindings superior in many ways but with very few exceptions they can still be difficult to enter and require a lubricant. Skiers and wake boarders frequently use soap or other damaging lubricants that affect the binding and the environment. Over time, soaps and detergents will dry out bindings and cause cracking, reducing the overall life of the binding. BABE’S Boot Butter is made from kelp, a naturally slick, environmentally safe lubricant to make stepping into your binding easy and safe on all binding materials.
Why not use dish soap or shampoo?
Because soap is harmful and toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Seemingly safe soaps are surprisingly toxic to fish with long lasting effects. Although most soaps are biodegradable, the process can take up to a month in most aquatic environments. Soaps can harm fish at concentrations down to .0042 g/Liter of water. That means a teaspoon of soap can make 600 gallons of water deadly to fish. Not only will Boot Butter not harm anything, it rinses out of your binding much quicker once you are in the water.
How to Apply Boot Butter
First, when standing on the swim platform or dock dunk your binding in the water to moisten the binding. Place the ski or wakeboard flat on the platform or dock. Apply a horizontal strip of Boot Butter between the top portion of the flaps on the binding. Do both front and rear at the same time. Moisten your foot prior to entry. It is usually easier to enter the rear boot first. Place your toes between the binding flaps and quickly move your toes in and out of the top portion of the binding to evenly distribute the Boot Butter. Then spread the top flaps with both hands and insert your foot. Repeat process for second boot if applicable.