SiO2 (Ceramic wax) on sailplanes ?

3M Perfect-it:

I used this stuff above on my LS3a last spring and it was easy to use, messy thou, My plane definitely turned a whiter shade of white. Keep a spray waterbottle handy as you don't want to let it go dry on you. I used a 6" electric buffer.
On mistake I made was I did it all inside my garage and the stuff got everywhere, at least it wipes off with a wet cloth and elbow grease. Won't do it inside again.
Well worth the effort IMHO, planning on doing it again this spring.
Nick
T

On Thursday, 7 January 2021 at 23:19:11 UTC, MMOORE wrote:
The new SiO2 spray on/buff off waxes for cars are amazing. Anyone use this on glass sailplanes ?
It is a silica

SiO2 is silica, the main ingredient of sand and also of quartz.
"Silicones" names a class of substances containing the element Silicon (amongst others), which are commonly used as polishes. They are sometimes a component of "Ceramic Wax".

I am no expert on composite repairs, but the conjunction of "fibreglass" or "gel-coat" with "silicone" rings alarm bells for me!
J.

On Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:53:21 AM UTC-5, wrote:
On Thursday, 7 January 2021 at 23:19:11 UTC, MMOORE wrote:
The new SiO2 spray on/buff off waxes for cars are amazing. Anyone use this on glass sailplanes ?
It is a silica
SiO2 is silica, the main ingredient of sand and also of quartz.
"Silicones" names a class of substances containing the element Silicon (amongst others), which are commonly used as polishes. They are sometimes a component of "Ceramic Wax".

I am no expert on composite repairs, but the conjunction of "fibreglass" or "gel-coat" with "silicone" rings alarm bells for me!
J.

I used a meguiars wax spray Ceramic and am very happy with the results. Works differently then silicones.

DC

On Friday, 8 January 2021 at 17:20:57 UTC, wrote:
I used a meguiars wax spray Ceramic and am very happy with the results. Works differently then silicones.

Nobody is questioning the efficacy, either on cars or on gliders.
My warning was about difficulties with subsequent repairs on fibreglass or gelcoat (as in gliders).
But I could be wrong. You may feel it's worth the risk. Or you could take the advice of your local friendly glider repairer!
J.

On Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 2:26:47 AM UTC+8, wrote:
On Friday, 8 January 2021 at 17:20:57 UTC, wrote:
I used a meguiars wax spray Ceramic and am very happy with the results. Works differently then silicones.
Nobody is questioning the efficacy, either on cars or on gliders.
My warning was about difficulties with subsequent repairs on fibreglass or gelcoat (as in gliders).
But I could be wrong. You may feel it's worth the risk. Or you could take the advice of your local friendly glider repairer!
J.
There is a difference between Silica ( Silicon) and Silicone do not confuse the two.
I have been Using 3M Cleaner and Wax a marine product to protect my gliders for many years it works well and seems to protect the surface, I own a Ventus2 CXa that is now 10 years old and is showing no signs of the Dreaded Gellcoat failure.
3M also make a restorer and wax is which is similar but a bit more cutting compound for rejuvenation of flat gell coat.
Chris Runeckles
Western Australian Sailplane products