Boat care words, explained
The terms you will see on this site and on product labels, in plain English.
- Gelcoat
- The hard, glossy outer layer on a fiberglass boat. It is what you wash, polish, and wax. Learn more
- Oxidation
- The chalky, faded film that forms when sun breaks down gelcoat. It has to be cut away, not waxed over. Learn more
- Compound
- An abrasive paste that cuts away oxidation and scratches. Heavy cut removes the most, medium cut less. Learn more
- Polish
- A finer abrasive used after compounding to remove swirls and bring back the gloss. Learn more
- Wax
- A protective layer that sits on top of the gelcoat. It protects and shines, but it does not repair anything. Learn more
- Sealant
- A synthetic protective layer that usually lasts longer than wax. Learn more
- Ceramic coating
- A harder, longer-lasting protective coating that needs careful prep and maintenance. Learn more
- Wax-safe soap
- A boat soap that cleans without stripping the wax. Dish soap is not wax-safe. Learn more
- Waterline stain
- The brown or yellow stripe where the hull sits in the water. Learn more
- Non-skid
- The textured surface on decks and walkways that keeps you from slipping. Learn more
- Mildew
- Black or gray spots that grow where moisture sits, often on seats and canvas. Learn more
- Marine vinyl
- The upholstery on boat seats, built to handle sun and water but still in need of UV protection. Learn more
- Isinglass
- Clear vinyl windows on enclosures. Keep regular wax off them. Learn more
- Chamois
- A soft, absorbent cloth used to dry the boat so water does not leave spots. Learn more
- Dual-action polisher
- A polisher that spins and wobbles at once. It is more forgiving and easier to learn on. Learn more
- Rotary polisher
- A polisher that spins in one direction. It cuts faster but can burn through gelcoat if misused. Learn more
- Burn-through
- Polishing through the gelcoat in one spot. It cannot be polished back and needs a repair. Learn more
- Spot-free rinse
- A final rinse with filtered water that has the minerals removed, so it dries without spots. Learn more