How to Polish and Coat Glass

Properly coated glass is important in every boat; it’s not just about the shine, but glass coating serves a couple of functional purposes as well. First, glass coating makes the surface of the glass hydrophobic, meaning that it repels water and makes your glass easier to maintain. Secondly, the hydrophobic properties make it easier to see when boating through rainy conditions. This isn’t a step you want to skip as it contributes to the safety and longevity of your boat. Let’s dive in!

How do I Polish and Coat Glass?

For the most part, polishing and coating glass requires a bit of patience and elbow grease. Sure, you’ll need a random orbital machine to polish, but all the other steps require simple products and techniques. You’ll start off by washing and decontaminating the glass surface, then move into polishing, before finishing with a gel coat. 

Tools Required

If you are working on a client’s boat or trying to do this on your own at home, here are the tools you’ll need: a rotary machine, Starke Yacht Care Glass Polish, Lake Country HDO Pads, Venom Water Spot Remover, Starke Yacht Care Surface Prep Alcohol Spray, a microsuede applicator sponge, a standard microfiber, and THOR Marine Nano Ceramic Coating. There are other brands of these products, but for the best results, we recommend the brands listed.

How to Decontaminate a Hull

Decontaminating a hull is simple and necessary. All the water spots, residue, and dirt should be removed from the glass prior to treatment, which is why decontaminating is so important. With a little bit of Venom Water Spot Remover and a microfiber cloth, you can simply apply a bit of the Venom Remover to the cloth and wipe down the glass surface. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing the excess off and drying the glass.

Applying Starke Yacht Care Crystal Clear Glass Polish

To polish, you’ll need your rotary machine paired with the Lake Country HDO Pad. Apply the Starke Yacht Care Class Polish by spraying it directly on the glass, then use the rotary to work the product into the glass. There are some abrasive properties to the polish, so it’ll work out any small scratches or imperfections in the glass. If there is any residue left after polishing, you can simply wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.

How to Use Surface Prep

To prep your boat glass to be coated, spray Surface Prep on the surface, wipe the product off, and ensure no residue is left behind. Now, you’re ready to apply the Thor Ceramic Coating!

Applying Liquid Thor Ceramic Coating

Thor Coating is great for glass because it won’t leave a thick film on the glass and is a bit more flexible. You’ll get the great hydrophobic properties you’re looking for without being thick and difficult to remove. 

Apply the Thor liquid to the applicator sponge and use long, even strokes on the glass to get the best results. Be sure to cover every inch of the glass and leave the product in place for 3-5 minutes. After letting it sit, use two clean microfiber towels to wipe off the excess. Do the first pass with one towel and a second pass with another. Remember to use gloves for this process so you don’t get any of the oils or products on your hands.

Glass Coating is a Must

You want to maintain your boat and make it easier to clean, but you also want to be sure you’re safe in any weather conditions. Sometimes storms on the water can come as a surprise, but with proper care and glass coating, you’ll have the best visibility possible in the wettest of conditions.