top of page

Frequently Asked Questions
General
In coastal BC waters, regular washing is not cosmetic — it’s preventative maintenance.
Saltwater causes:
• Gelcoat oxidation
• Metal corrosion
• Waterline staining
• Premature fading
• Canvas and vinyl deterioration
Salt crystals sit on the surface and continue to attract moisture, accelerating damage even when the boat is dry.
Regular Washing Benefits:
✔ Prevents long-term oxidation
✔ Reduces polishing frequency
✔ Protects stainless & metal fittings
✔ Maintains resale value
✔ Keeps the boat looking “season-ready”
Recommended frequency in BC:
• Every 2–4 weeks during boating season
• After long trips
• Before winter storage
• Every 2–4 weeks during boating season
• After long trips
• Before winter storage
Wax is your gelcoat’s sunscreen and shield.
What Wax Does:
• Seals porous gelcoat
• Blocks UV damage
• Slows oxidation
• Makes cleaning easier
• Enhances gloss and depth
In BC, even though we don’t have tropical sun, UV exposure + saltwater = fast oxidation.
Without Wax:
Gelcoat becomes chalky and porous, requiring heavy compounding later (which removes material).
With Wax:
✔ Deep gloss finish
✔ Easier wash maintenance
✔ Longer gelcoat life
✔ Reduced need for aggressive polishing
Recommended: 1–2 times per year, depending on exposure.
Marine ceramic coating is a long-term protective layer that chemically bonds to the gelcoat.
It lasts significantly longer than traditional wax.
Benefits of Ceramic Coating:
✔ Superior UV protection
✔ Extreme gloss & depth
✔ Water beading effect
✔ Salt & stain resistance
✔ Easier cleaning
✔ Longer protection (1–3+ years depending on product)
Ideal for:
• Newer boats
• Dark hull colors
• High-end yachts
• Owners who want minimal maintenance
Ceramic requires proper surface correction before application — prep is everything.
A full detail typically includes:
Exterior:
• Complete wash
• Non-skid deck cleaning
• Waterline cleaning
• Stainless & metal polishing
• Compound (if needed)
• Machine polish
• Wax or ceramic protection
Interior
• Vinyl cleaning & UV protection
• Carpet cleaning
• Mold & mildew treatment
• Galley & head sanitization
• Window & isinglass cleaning
• Maintenance Wash: Every 2–4 week
• Full Detail (Polish & Wax): Annually
• Oxidation Removal: As needed
• Ceramic Coating: Every 2–3 years (with maintenance washes)
Not when done professionally.
Compounding removes oxidation by lightly leveling the gelcoat surface. Over-compounding by inexperienced operators can reduce gelcoat thickness — which is why professional evaluation matters.
At Decks Awash, we assess:
• Oxidation level
• Gelcoat thickness condition
• Required cut level
• Correct RPM & pad selection
Yes. Most oxidation can be restored through:
• Multi-stage compounding
• Machine polishing
• Protective sealing
Severe neglect may require multiple steps for best results.
Yes.
We use:
• Professional 2-step teak cleaners
• Soft-bristle techniques
• Teak brighteners
Sanding is avoided unless absolutely necessary to preserve teak lifespan.
Absolutely.
Professional detailing:
• Improves listing photos
• Increases perceived value
• Speeds up sale time
• Creates strong first impressions during viewings
It is one of the highest ROI services before listing your vessel.
Yes.
Decks Awash is fully insured and operates with:
• General Liability Insurance
• Professional marine detailing standards
Boats in British Columbia face:
• Saltwater exposure
• Heavy rain cycles
• UV radiation
• Winter moisture storage
• Organic growth buildup
Preventative detailing:
• Extends gelcoat life
• Protects resale value
• Reduces long-term restoration costs
• Keeps your vessel marina-presentable year-round
bottom of page
