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Alexseal® Topside Paint Care and Maintenance

Overview #

Ocean Alexander yachts feature premium Alexseal® polyurethane topcoat finishes that provide exceptional gloss retention, color stability, and long-term durability in the marine environment. Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve the appearance and protective qualities of the finish.

Following the procedures below will help maintain the yacht’s factory finish while minimizing premature weathering, staining, and oxidation.

Routine Washing #

Wash painted surfaces at least once per week, or more frequently when operating in saltwater or polluted environments.

  1. Thoroughly rinse the surface with fresh water to remove salt and loose dirt.
  2. Wash using a mild, pH-neutral marine detergent specifically formulated for painted finishes.
  3. Use only a soft microfiber wash mitt, sponge, or soft-bristle brush.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
  5. Dry the surface using a microfiber towel, chamois, or synthetic drying towel to prevent water spotting.

If hard water spotting is common, using reverse osmosis (RO) water for the final rinse can help minimize spotting.

Important: Never use abrasive brushes, scouring pads, or aggressive cleaning tools on Alexseal finishes.

Recommended Washing Products #

The following products are suitable for routine cleaning:

  • Alexseal® Premium Wash Down Concentrate A5005
  • 3M™ Multi-Purpose Boat Soap
  • Aquatech 501 Boat Wash Concentrate
  • Boat Life® Boat Soap
  • Liquid Glass® Wash Concentrate
  • Meguiar’s® Flagship Premium Marine Wash
  • Sudbury Boat Zoap®

Always follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions.

Sealing and Protection #

Alexseal recommends protecting painted surfaces with a high-quality UV-stable polymer sealer or non-abrasive marine wax designed specifically for polyurethane finishes.

Protection should typically be applied 2–3 times per year, depending on operating conditions.

Recommended products include:

  • Alexseal® Premium Polymer Sealer A5010
  • 3M™ Scotchgard™ Liquid Wax
  • Aquatech 201 Premier Polish
  • Liquid Glass® Polish/Finish
  • Meguiar’s® Flagship Premium Marine Wax

A quality polymer sealer provides a sacrificial protective layer that helps reduce environmental staining and prolong gloss retention.

Important Care Notes #

To maximize the life of the finish:

  • Wash the yacht regularly.
  • Remove bird droppings, tree sap, fuel residue, and contaminants as soon as possible.
  • Do not allow moisture to remain trapped beneath shrink wrap, plastic covers, cushions, or wet fabrics.
  • Avoid prolonged standing water on painted surfaces.
  • Keep fenders, lines, and covers clean to reduce abrasion.
  • Do not use highly alkaline or acidic cleaners.

Do NOT Use #

Never use:

  • Kerosene
  • Acetone
  • MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)
  • Lacquer thinner (except as a last resort for stain removal)
  • Strong solvents
  • Abrasive cleaners
  • Steel wool
  • Scotch-Brite™ pads
  • Household cleaners containing ammonia or bleach

These products can permanently damage or dull the polyurethane finish.

Removing Stains #

Remove stains as soon as possible before they penetrate the coating.

Begin with mild cleaning methods using marine soap.

If additional cleaning is required, progress in the following order:

  1. Mineral Spirits
  2. VM&P Naphtha
  3. Denatured Alcohol

After using any solvent:

  • Wash the area immediately with mild soap and water.
  • Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

Lacquer thinner should only be used as a last resort and only by experienced personnel.

Removing Salt Residue #

Heavy salt deposits may be removed by washing with:

  • Warm water
  • A 1:1 solution of fresh water and white vinegar

After cleaning:

  1. Rewash using marine soap.
  2. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

Detailing #

Over time, painted surfaces may require minor detailing to remove:

  • Light overspray
  • Dust nibs
  • Surface contamination
  • Minor oxidation

Detailing should be performed only by trained personnel using approved polishing compounds and slow-speed polishing equipment.

Buffing #

Occasionally, light buffing or ultra-fine sanding may be required to restore gloss or improve the appearance of the finish.

Typical sanding sequence:

  • P1500 grit
  • P2000 grit
  • P2500 grit
  • P3000 grit

After sanding:

  • Buff using a slow-speed rotary buffer.
  • Use only compounds recommended for polyurethane marine coatings.
  • Finish by applying a polymer sealer or protective wax.

Avoid aggressive buffing. Excessive polishing removes paint thickness and may permanently reduce coating durability.

Wool Buffing Bonnets #

If a wool buffing bonnet is required:

  • Do NOT use coarse white wool buffing bonnets on polyurethane finishes.
  • Use only fine yellow wool buffing bonnets as recommended by Alexseal.
  • Foam pads are preferred for most polishing and finishing operations.

Spot Repairs #

Spot repairs should only be performed by experienced marine paint technicians.

Proper spot repairs involve:

  • Blending the repaired area into the surrounding finish.
  • Using Alexseal Blending Solvent to soften overspray.
  • Machine polishing the blended area to restore gloss.
  • Applying a protective polymer sealer after repair.

Some colors—including reds, grays, metallics, and certain blues—may be difficult to blend seamlessly. Color testing in an inconspicuous area is recommended before performing repairs.

Recommended Buffing Products #

Cutting Compound #

  • 3M™ Perfect-It™ Rubbing Compound (06085/06086)

Use with:

  • Slow-speed rotary machine
  • Foam polishing pad or yellow wool bonnet

Finishing Compound #

  • 3M™ Imperial Compound & Finishing Material (06044/06045)

Use with:

  • Foam polishing pad
  • Yellow wool bonnet (if required)

Machine Polish #

  • 3M™ Perfect-It™ Machine Polish (06064/06065)

Use with:

  • Black foam finishing pad

Dark Colored Finishes #

For darker hull colors and high-gloss finishes:

  • 3M™ Perfect-It™ Ultra Fine Machine Polish (06068/06069)

Use with:

  • Blue foam finishing pad

Final Finish #

  • 3M™ Finesse-It™ II Finishing Material (5928/5929)

Use with:

  • Foam finishing pad on a slow-speed machine

Ocean Alexander Recommendation #

Ocean Alexander recommends following Alexseal-approved maintenance procedures and using only products designed for polyurethane marine finishes. Routine washing, periodic application of a UV-stable polymer sealer, and proper detailing techniques will preserve the yacht’s exceptional gloss and appearance for years to come.

Aggressive buffing, improper compounds, coarse wool pads, or harsh solvents can permanently reduce the thickness and durability of the painted finish. When paint correction or spot repairs are required, they should be performed by a qualified marine paint technician using Alexseal-approved materials and procedures.

Contact our Service Department today
(954.530.2033)
To learn how we can help ensure safe and peak performance for your vessel.

East Coast Yacht Group
2955 West State Road 84
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

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