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STERLING topcoats, aliphatic urethanes of the highest chemical cross-link density, offer maximum resistance to weathering, chemicals, and the wear and tear predicted in severe ocean marine, high altitude, and industrial environments. The product is as tough against continuous saltwater exposure and tropical sun, as it is to actinic solar radiation exposure at flight altitudes and the air and moisture impacting that occurs during supersonic travel. Soap and water wash downs, using a soft bristle brush or rag, are really the only maintenance that a STERLING finish requires until the effects of extended weathering are seen with a decline in gloss. It is not necessary, immediately following a new STERLING application, to apply any protective film over it, for waxes and polishes will surely weather faster than the coating itself, unnecessarily increasing requisite maintenance. Commercial aircraft, however, along with transoceanic vessels, are sometimes successfully placed on a regular wax schedule for it is thought by some owners and maintenance managers that exhaust, fuel, hydraulic fluid, and other surface contaminants are more easily cleaned from the coating, if waxed periodically. In many cases this may well be true. No harm will occur to freshly-applied STERLING topcoat if it is waxed, but assure that the material is not a combination polish/wax, for these products may contain abrasive material, though of extremely fine character. Any buffing or abrasion on the fresh coating through the use of a combination wax/polish or buffing compound will introduce micro-scratches and this can cause premature deterioration. This is to be avoided on new paint, except to correct small areas of repair, such as a sag or masking line. The surface area is increased by the action of buffing abrasive, allowing the scratched texture to become a better harbor for air contaminants, liquids, salt crystals, and other materials which attract or hold moisture and which contribute to the presence of an alkaline or acidic environment. Additionally, the magnitude of solar radiation is increased proportionate to the increase in surface area. These factors can contribute to premature loss of gloss and color fading. Within the first few years, therefore, if waxing is desired, do not use a combination polish/wax. Assure that it contains no ingredients which would scratch the surface. Later in the coating's service life as gloss is significantly diminished, it can, contrastingly, be beautifully restored with a combination polish/wax or a polish by itself followed by waxing. Such products as 3M's Finesse-It II (Product #05928) or Standox Fine Polish (Sherwin Williams) are excellent at this stage. These products, particularly the latter, will leave minimal, if any, swirl marks and will cause the least damage to the existing film. The oxidized surface will be quickly removed and it is then appropriate for the application of wax or normal cleaning care. <<[BACK] Sterling Care & Maintenance [NEXT]>>
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[Home Page] Detco Marine is an independent manufacturer and master distributor, under independent ownership from Sterling Lacquer Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of Sterling coating products. © 2004 DETCO Marine No portion hereof may be reproduced in any form without written permission of DETCO Marine
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