Looking for good references on maintaining Fiberglass/Gelcoat finish

On Monday, October 19, 2020 at 2:43:41 AM UTC+10, wrote:
I just purchased my first glider and I am struggling to locate via google any good articles, books, manuals, videos, etc... on what methods and practices are available to keep the finish of a gel coated glider up to snuff. There seem to be at least two basic schools of thought, one utilizing polish type products, the other buffing with hard wax.

I would have thought by now after 50+ years of fiberglass glider construction, there should be many good & helpful articles written on the subject. I would appreciate a gentle nudge in the correct direction, or if you are so inclined, please feel free to leave your 2 cents on the subject. (Please, I hope this doesn't open up some sleeping can of worms).

D

I like the Aerolack line, makes for a mirror finish, feel slippery and bugs noticably stick less.
https://www.navboys.com/Bucket_bundle.html has everything you need.

I do leading edges (lightly) every two days flying (3 minutes work), top surfaces every week (10 minutes), and bottom surfaces every two weeks (10 minutes). Scrub on firmly with a cheesecloth, dry, rub off. Plexus for the canopy as required.

I found Plexus to leave a residue resulting in streaks. I use Prist on plexiglass. On Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 12:44:08 AM UTC-7, Matthew Scutter wrote:
On Monday, October 19, 2020 at 2:43:41 AM UTC+10, wrote:
I just purchased my first glider and I am struggling to locate via google any good articles, books, manuals, videos, etc... on what methods and practices are available to keep the finish of a gel coated glider up to snuff.. There seem to be at least two basic schools of thought, one utilizing polish type products, the other buffing with hard wax.

I would have thought by now after 50+ years of fiberglass glider construction, there should be many good & helpful articles written on the subject.. I would appreciate a gentle nudge in the correct direction, or if you are so inclined, please feel free to leave your 2 cents on the subject. (Please, I hope this doesn't open up some sleeping can of worms).

D
I like the Aerolack line, makes for a mirror finish, feel slippery and bugs noticably stick less.
https://www.navboys.com/Bucket_bundle.html has everything you need.

I do leading edges (lightly) every two days flying (3 minutes work), top surfaces every week (10 minutes), and bottom surfaces every two weeks (10 minutes). Scrub on firmly with a cheesecloth, dry, rub off. Plexus for the canopy as required.