Quick, practical steps for the jobs boat owners ask us about most — each one paired with the Sea-Shield products used and a short video walkthrough. For the full step-by-step process, see our ceramic coating vs. wax guide.


1. Apply Ceramic Coating on a Yacht

  • Wash and decontaminate the surface first with Sea-Shield Boat Soap
  • Polish/correct the surface (see section 2) before coating — a coating seals in swirl marks, it doesn't remove them
  • Remove polishing oils with Prep Spray so the coating bonds properly
  • Apply Sea-Shield Crew or Professional Ceramic in small sections with a cross-hatch pattern, then buff off within 15 seconds to 2 minutes depending on temperature
  • Keep the boat dry for at least 1 hour; full cure takes 48 hours (up to 5 days for maximum hardness)

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2. Polish and Protect Yacht Paint

  • Heavy oxidation or scratches: start with Heavy Cut #1
  • Moderate correction: Cut and Polish #2
  • Final gloss pass: Swirl Remover #3
  • Lightly oxidized or newer paint can skip straight to Swirl Remover #3
  • Use a circular polisher at 1200-1800 RPM with the matching wool/foam pad for each step

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3. Buff and Wax a Gelcoat Boat

  • Wash and dry the gelcoat fully before buffing
  • Correct oxidation/scratches with the compound & polish system above if the gelcoat is dull
  • Sea-Shield Cleaner Wax cleans, polishes, and protects gelcoat and plastic in one step for lighter maintenance jobs
  • Apply in small sections by hand or with a dual-action polisher, then buff to a shine with a clean microfiber towel

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4. Polish Glass Windows

  • Clean the glass thoroughly to remove salt film and grime
  • Use Sea-Shield Glass Polish to remove water spots, haze, and light scratches
  • Follow with Glass Coating for a long-term hydrophobic finish that sheds rain and salt spray
  • Wipe with a dedicated glass microfiber towel to avoid streaking

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5. Polish and Protect Stainless

  • Clean the stainless surface and remove any surface rust or staining first
  • Sea-Shield Metal Polish removes oxidation and restores shine to stainless, aluminum, brass, and chrome
  • Apply with an applicator pad in small sections, then buff to a mirror finish with a clean microfiber towel
  • Top-coat with Final Shield to slow future staining and make maintenance easier

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6. Maintain Teak Decks

  • Regular light cleaning prevents the deep staining that later needs aggressive restoration
  • See our Teak Minus & Teak Plus products for restoring and protecting teak decking
  • Rinse with fresh water after use to reduce salt buildup between deeper cleanings

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Not sure which product or process fits your boat? Get in touch or call 1-800-673-8886.