Best_Boat_Polishes

When your boat starts to fade and lose its shine, it’s time for some polishing. Of course, if you wish to restore the hull to its former glory, you’ll need to use the best boat polish for your type of boat. This article guides you through the selection process and makes it easy to pick out the best marine polish for fiberglass, aluminum, or any other material.

Most of us take great pride in our boats, and no one likes looking at their vessel all chalked and run-down. With the help of our boat polish reviews and buying guide below, you’ll have a great-looking, glossy boat year-round.

1

OUR TOP PICK

3M Marine Aluminum Restorer

3M Marine Aluminum Restorer


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Summary

The 3M Marine boat polish provides the ultimate care for your aluminum boat. Not only does it restore the original shine, but it also keeps the surface protected for a long time. This top rated boat polish delivers fantastic results on most marine hardware, which is why it earned the top spot on our list.

Surfaces and Application

Like we’ve said, it works best on aluminum (non-anodized, to be more specific). The formula is concentrated and has a paste consistency, making it very easy to spread and work with. This way, you won’t have problems covering the entire hull properly.

Performance and Durability

The main task of the 3M marine aluminum restorer polish is to remove heavy oxidation and chalking from the surface, and it does that exceptionally well. Regardless if the surface is bare or painted, you can count on this polish to restore its previous state. As a bonus, it also achieves a high shine that lasts a long time.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Excellent results on all aluminum surfaces
  • Completely removes heavy oxidation and chalking
  • Restores the original luster (high-gloss shine)
  • Easy to apply by hand or with a boat buffer
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Volume: 18 ounces
Surfaces: Aluminum
UV-resistance: Yes

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Star Brite Premium Marine

Star Brite Premium Marine


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Summary

With a combined formula that contains both a polish and a PTEF wax, Star Brite Premium does a fantastic all-around job. It easily removes faded and chalky residue from the surface, while the protective layer stops light oxidation. This, combined with the eye-catching gloss, is the reason we picked it as our favorite.

Surfaces and Application

Star Brite Premium is truly versatile – it works equally well on fiberglass, metal, plexiglass, and all types of painted surfaces. On top of this, you can even use it over old wax and polish. The formula is non-sticky, easy to use, and a fantastic choice for regular boat maintenance.

Performance and Durability

The protective PTEF boat wax layer easily repels water and oil stains, and prevents dirt and sand from sticking to the surface. Additionally, the UV inhibitors prevent sun damage so you don’t have to worry about fading. Lastly, compared to other products, the Star Brite Premium marine polish stays on the surface up to 5 times longer.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Works great on almost all surfaces
  • Reliable UV protection (4-5 times longer)
  • Contains PTEF boat wax to seal the holes
  • Long protection against stains, fading, and chalking
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Volume: 16 ounces
Surfaces: Fiberglass, Metal, Plexiglass, Painted Surfaces
UV-resistance: Yes

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3

BEST VALUE

Flitz Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Flitz Multi-Purpose Cleaner


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Summary

If you’re looking for a balance between price and quality, the Flitz Multi-Purpose boat polish is a great choice. It comes in a small and affordable package, but its potent multi-purpose formula will make any surface shine again. Even better, the formula is completely green and safe to use (non-toxic and non-flammable).

Surfaces and Application

We particularly like that you can use the Flitz shine on pretty much any metal, plastic, or fiberglass surface, both on and off the boat. The consistency is liquid allowing you to use a cloth to apply it, and you’ll get even better results if you rub it in with a buffer.

Performance and Durability

When talking about performance, the Flitz Multi-Purpose boat polish has fantastic results. It’s very effective against aluminum oxidation, tarnish, or stubborn water stains. Compared to other liquids, it’s up to 3 times more effective and leaves a long-lasting shine.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Multi-purpose formula for using on and off the boat
  • Potent against heavy oxidation, tarnish, rust, and water stains
  • Completely non-toxic and non-flammable (safe to use)
  • Leaves a brilliant shine after buffing
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Volume: 7.6 ounces
Surfaces: Metal, Plastic, Fiberglass
UV-resistance: No

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4

Meguiar’s M4516 Gloss Enhancer

Meguiar's M4516 Gloss Enhancer


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Summary

Thanks to its oil-enriched formula, Meguiars boat restoration kit easily gives the boat its original shine back. In addition, it’s perhaps the best polish for fiberglass boats that need intensive gel coat care.

Surfaces and Application

Due to its ingredients, Meguiar's M4516 boat polish shows the best results on a fiberglass gel coat. Application is very easy with a cloth but, if you wish to achieve a good outcome, make sure the surface is properly prepared beforehand.

Performance and Durability

Meguiar's M4516 boat polish particularly stands out when used on dark colors. Not only does it give them their shine back, but sometimes even makes them look better than before.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Restores gloss on both painted surfaces and fiberglass
  • Contains oils that nourish the gel coat and improve durability
  • Fantastic for returning gloss to darker-colored boats
  • Convenient bottle and very easy application
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Volume: 16 ounces
Surfaces: Fiberglass, Painted Surfaces
UV-resistance: No

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5

Flitz Multi-Purpose Metal, Plastic and Fiberglass

Flitz Multi-Purpose Metal, Plastic and Fiberglass


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Summary

For those of you who have larger surfaces for polishing, the 2-pound can of Flitz Multi-Purpose boat polish is all you need. Also, the paste consistency makes it very easy to use (especially if you have a buffer).

Surfaces and Application

The Flitz Multi-Purpose grp polish is very effective on a number of different surfaces – fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, chrome, and many other types of metal. As we said, the paste is very easy to spread and you can polish boat surfaces with very little trouble.

Performance and Durability

The advanced ingredients in the formula improve the efficiency, so the Flitz Multi-Purpose boat cleaners can remove oxidation, rust, and even graffiti with ease. The formula is non-toxic and non-flammable, making it very eco-friendly and safe.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Paste consistency for easier scrubbing and polishing
  • Effective on almost any surface (painted or non-painted)
  • Eco-friendly formula (non-toxic and non-flammable)
  • Anti-tarnish protection lasts for up to 6 months
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Volume: 2 pounds
Surfaces: Metal, Plastic, Fiberglass, Aluminum, Sterling Silver
UV-resistance: No

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6

Driven Marine

Driven Marine


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Summary

The Driven marine boat polish is all about the shine of your boat. Its sheeting action leaves a protective coating on the surface, significantly reducing water spots. This allows the boat to stay clean longer, and prevents the elements (weather, water) from causing damage.

Surfaces and Application

A detail we particularly like about the Driven polish is that it’s non-abrasive, meaning that it’s great even for gentle boat polishing. It works equally well on fiberglass and metal, and you can apply it in both sun or shade using a regular cloth or a boat buffer. 

Performance and Durability

Because it contains essential oils, the Driven marine polish restores the natural properties of your gel coat. As we’ve said, the gloss you’ll get is truly impressive, and the polish remains durable even in very high or low temperatures.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Leaves a coating that repels dirt and water stains
  • Gives a high gloss with very little effort
  • Fantastic protection against UV damage and fading
  • Stays active and prevents oxidation for up to a year
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Volume: 16 ounces
Surfaces: Fiberglass, Painted Surfaces, Aluminum, Steel, Plexiglass
UV-resistance: Yes

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7

Star Brite Marine

Star Brite Marine


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Summary

Thanks to its unique formula, Star Brite Marine is perhaps the best boat polish in terms of UV protection. After treating your boat with this product, you won’t have to worry about fading or yellowing for a very long time. In addition, it’s also very user-friendly and requires no buffing.

Surfaces and Application

Like most well-made boat polishes, the Star Brite marine polish is suitable for most surfaces, including fiberglass, metal, and those that are already painted. However, unlike most other products, it gives equally impressive results even if you use hand application instead of hard rubbing with a machine.

Performance and Durability

The secret of the Star Brite polish is that it simultaneously cleans and polishes the hull surface. By doing this, it easily removes chalk from fiberglass, all while restoring its original luster. The formula is very long-lasting too, giving you up to a year of protection.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Easily removes swirl marks and surface scratches
  • Blocks UV rays to stop the fading
  • Doesn’t require hard rubbing (works by hand too)
  • Effective for more than a year with two coatings
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Volume: 16oz and 1 gallon
Surfaces: Fiberglass, Aluminum, Painted Surfaces
UV-resistance: Yes

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8

Gel Coat Labs One-Step Gel Coat Sealant

Gel Coat Labs One-Step Gel Coat Sealant


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Summary

If you’re looking for the best way to restore and protect your gel coat, the Gel Coat Labs fiberglass boat polish is the way to go. In only one step, you’re getting a full fiberglass gelcoat restoration. Furthermore, the formula is boosted by Polycharger to increase its durability on the surface.

Surfaces and Application

While it doesn’t have the versatility for different surfaces, the Gel Coat Labs restorer polish is easily the best boat polish to use on fiberglass. It works equally well on both painted and non-painted surfaces, giving impressive results every time.

Performance and Durability

Due to its micro-polish action, it can produce a very high, mirror-like shine. What’s even better, the coating stays on the surface for a really long time. During this period, your vessel will have full protection against cracks, fading, or yellowing.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Excellent option for restoring and cleaning fiberglass boats
  • Micro-polish formula leaves a mirror-like shine
  • Safe for applying in direct sunlight
  • Boosted by Polycharger for improved durability
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Volume: 16 ounces
Surfaces: Gel Coat (Fiberglass)
UV-resistance: No

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How To Choose The Best Marine Polish – Buying Guide

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Types of Boat Polish

The main task of a boat polish is to remove a very thin layer with pits and imperfections in it. This way, the surface gets smooth again and looks much better. While all polishes have the same job, there are differences in ingredients based on the hull material.

Fiberglass (gel coat): Fiberglass boats have a gel coat on the surface, responsible for protection and the boat’s shiny new look. Broadly speaking, the best boat polish for fiberglass is often also a restorer (Gel Coat Labs polish, for example), with the ability to fill in the small imperfections so the surface is flat and glossy again.

Aluminum: If not maintained properly, aluminum is prone to oxidation (makes your boat look a lot worse). A good boat polish for aluminum (like the 3M Marine) will completely remove oxidation and chalking, leaving your boat looking like new. 

Multi-purpose: These polishes are the jack of all trades and do a good job regardless of the surface. They are usually less abrasive than metal polishes, but achieve a good shine nonetheless. A good example is the Flitz Multi-Purpose boat polish.

You might also like: How To Clean Boat Hull: Easy Step by Step Guide

Ease of Use

Polishing a boat can take a very long time, so it’s a good idea to consider how easy a product is to use. As you’ve had the chance to see, marine polishes come as a liquid and a paste.

Regardless of which one you get, it needs to be rubbed in properly. While all products can be applied with a boat buffer, we think that it’s a big plus if you can rub it in by hand too.

Another thing worth considering is whether a single coating is enough, or the polish requires multiple coatings to work (takes much more time). Of course, always make good preparations beforehand so you can polish boat as easily as possible.

UV Protection and Weather-Resistance

Since your boat will sit in the water and be exposed to the sun for a long time, it needs to have good surface protection. A high-quality marine polish will provide reliable UV protection, shielding your vessel against fading and sun damage. Also, it will form a protective barrier that will protect it from water exposure.

Durability and Performance

It’s not easy to polish the entire surface, so you want the coating to last as long as possible. If applied properly, high-quality products can remain on the surface for over a year.

It’s also important that it remains effective the entire time (protect the hull and retain high gloss). In our opinion, giving a bit more money is worth it if the polish will have a better and more durable effect.

FAQs

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Q: Can I Use Car Wax On My Boat?

A: 

Yes you can, but it won’t be as effective. The two types of waxes are made for different applications, so a car wax on a boat might not give you the results you’re expecting. The best boat wax is made to be in constant contact with water and has a much better sun protection, which is why we advise that you always get a boat-specific product.

Q: What Should I Do About Waxing My Boat If It Has Some Oxidation On It?

A: 

Oxidation is a problem, but it can be easily cured with the right boat wax. You just need the right product that removes the oxidated layer (most aluminum-specific products we featured can do this). As for prevention, make sure to polish your boat regularly.

Q: What Is The Difference Between Marine Sealants and Boat Waxes?

A: 

Waxes and sealants are generally used for the same job – protecting your boat from the elements. The main difference between the two is in their ingredients. Wax is generally made with natural ingredients, whereas a sealant is fully synthetic.

Q: How to Restore Fiberglass Finish On A Boat?

A: 

You can restore the looks of your fiberglass boat by cleaning, polishing, and waxing the surface. You’ll get even better results if you use gel coat-specific products like 3M Marine fiberglass restorer and wax or Gel Coat Labs gelcoat cleaner. In addition, both polishing and waxing will be more efficient with a boat buffer.

Globo Surf Overview

Polishing your boat isn’t just about restoring its shine – it’s about protection as well. A great marine polish will shield the hull from UV rays and salt water, all while giving your boat a glossy and fresh look. Hopefully, our guide and product selection have helped you make your decision, so you can be proud of how your boat looks.

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