What causes oxidation on a boat’s gelcoat?

Oxidation is caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, saltwater, and air pollution. Over time, it dulls the gelcoat, fades color, and leaves a chalky surface that has to be compounded and polished off.

How do you remove oxidation from a boat?

We use multi-stage machine polishing combined with marine-grade compounds to safely remove oxidation. This restores gloss and prepares the surface for ceramic coating protection.

What is marine ceramic coating and how does it work?

Marine ceramic coating creates a protective layer that bonds to the gelcoat. It repels water, salt, and contaminants while providing UV protection and long-lasting shine.

How long does a ceramic coating last on a boat?

A marine ceramic coating typically lasts 18-24 months with regular washing, depending on sun exposure and use. Regular washing with a mild, pH-neutral boat soap helps it last.

Is ceramic coating better than traditional waxing?

For most owners, yes: a ceramic coating lasts much longer than wax and resists UV, chemicals and salt better. Wax may last weeks to a few months, while a ceramic coating typically lasts 18-24 months with regular washing.

Does ceramic coating make my boat easier to clean?

Absolutely. The slick surface reduces dirt and salt buildup, making routine washing faster and easier while keeping your boat looking cleaner for longer.

Can ceramic coating help preserve my boat’s resale value?

Yes. Protecting the gelcoat from oxidation and fading keeps the boat looking newer, which can help its resale value.

Professional detailer using a rotary buffer on a boat hull

Professional detailer using a rotary buffer on a boat hull (2)

Marine Ceramic Coating & Oxidation Removal

Tired of waxing? For boat detailing in Long Beach, we perform multi-stage machine polishing to remove heavy oxidation and chalkiness, then protect the shine with a liquid glass (ceramic) coating that typically lasts 18-24 months with regular washing and repels salt spray.

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$150 /hr

Labor estimate Quoted after inspection

Book sends us a ticket; nothing is charged online. Before any work you get a written estimate for labor, parts and the trip fee, and nothing is done without your OK.

Trip fee By distance, one way: $30 in San Pedro, $50 in Long Beach

San Pedro$30
Wilmington, Terminal Island$40
Long Beach: Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor$50
Long Beach Marina, Alamitos Bay$60
Redondo Beach$60
Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour$75
Marina del Rey$85
Newport Beach$110

Farther away: $25 plus $2.50 a mile, one way from our San Pedro shop. No trip fee when the boat comes to our shop, or for plan members. The work of a visit is at least $150; the trip fee is on top.

Registered in California: Breeze Marine Boat Service LLC, San Pedro
Where we work: At your slip from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or in our San Pedro shop
Questions first: (213) 693-0224 or submit a ticket

About this service

Surface Technology

Beyond Wax.
Lasting Shine.

Traditional boat wax breaks down quickly in the sun. Marine ceramic coating bonds to your gelcoat, creating a glass-like shield that typically lasts 18-24 months with regular washing, depending on sun and use.

Oxidation Removal

Chalky gelcoat? Our gelcoat restoration starts with multi-stage rotary compounding to physically remove gelcoat oxidation, the dead, chalky top layer of the gelcoat, and bring back the color beneath.

SiO2 Cross-Linking

Unlike wax which sits on top, Ceramic Coating (Silicon Dioxide), a marine nano coating, cross-links into the pores of the gelcoat, creating a semi-permanent, hard barrier against UV rays.

Hydrophobic Effect

A hydrophobic coating has low surface energy, so water beads up and rolls off, carrying salt and dirt with it. Cleaning your boat gets quicker and needs less soap.

Restoration Protocol.

We don't just coat. We prepare the surface first.

Cut (Compound)

Using heavy-cut compounds and rotary buffers, we level the surface, removing chalk, scratches, and stubborn oxidation.

Jewel (Polish)

We refine the finish with a fine polish and foam pads to remove swirl marks (holograms) and bring out a mirror-like depth.

Prep Wipe

We chemically strip all polishing oils using an alcohol-based panel wipe to ensure the gelcoat is naked and ready for bonding.

Coat

We hand-apply the liquid ceramic coating, leveling it carefully to cure into a hard, high-gloss shell.

Glass on the Water.

A transformation you can see from the dock.

Boat hull half oxidized and half restored to a gloss finish

Water beading on a ceramic-coated boat hull

Rotary polishing oxidation from a fiberglass hull

Chemical Science.

Advanced protection for the marine environment.

Typical Life 18-24 Months

Protection UV and Salt

Correction Multi-Stage Rotary

Common Questions

Is it expensive?

The upfront cost of a boat ceramic coating is higher than wax due to the intensive labor of polishing. However, because ceramic coating for boats lasts several times longer than wax, it can cost less over time.