A summer topcoat maintenance programme will ensure that your boat remains pristine all the way through the season and beyond.

To start, it’s essential you have the correct equipment for the job to keep your surfaces looking their best for longer. For instance, did you know that the choice of cleaning products can adversely impact the durability and quality of coatings? The aim is to select cleaning products that are pHneutral as anything too acidic or too alkali can have detrimental effects. Most household cleaners are not pH-neutral.

Products containing bleach may leave permanent stains, even from splashes, so take extra care if these are being used anywhere. Metal polish, too, will damage painted surfaces, so if a metal polish is used, ensure it is fully rinsed off before proceeding with further cleaning.

Brushes should have soft bristles, while natural sponges are best. Avoid abrasion pads at all costs. Higher summer temperatures can soften paint, leading to damage when routine cleaning takes place. So, if you can, carry out cleaning and maintenance when the temperatures are a little lower: early mornings or after dusk.

Once you have the correct equipment, you need the right products to use on your surfaces. Awlwash 2.0 is a gentle detergent cleaner, part of the Awlgrip family of products produced by AkzoNobel. It washes and cleans to prevent dirt and grease build-up. Depending on the job to be done, it can be diluted as required. After cleaning, always rinse thoroughly.

After using Awlwash 2.0, apply Awlcare, a protective polymer sealer that contains no harsh abrasives but polishes to a gleaming shine. It is non-yellowing and its effects will last through multiple washes. For best results, repeated use of Awlcare builds up protection against the harshest conditions.

Richard Jennings, Global Technical Manager Yacht at AkzoNobel, says: “Both Awlwash 2.0 and Awlcare have been specifically formulated to maximise the lifespan of your topcoat. They are the safest and most effective protection around.” BNZ WWW.AKZONOBEL.COM