Before and after using Polytrol colour restorer on a car bumper

Case Study: How to stop your roof box from fading

We love it when other companies recommend our products to compliment theirs! It’s great to know that Owatrol are providing solutions to more problems year on year.

The latest addition comes from a Scandinavian company called SkiGuard who sell, among other things, a range of roof boxes (sometimes called rooftop cargo carriers). They have recognized that many of their customers have difficulties with their roof boxes fading over time and have suggested Owatrol’s Polytrol as an excellent solution to the common problem of how to stop a roof box from fading.

Why does my roof box fade?

Roof boxes are generally made from pigmented polyester (known commonly as gelcoat) and as the surface suffers exposure to UV rays (especially during the summer) the color and shine can both begin to fade and dull. Standard black or white roof boxes are more susceptible to this than roof boxes painted to match your car as car varnish contains clear acrylic varnish which is more able to withstand the UV damage.

Skiguard give this reason for the problem:

The main cause for the surface fading is that the gelcoat manufacturers have been required to reduce the amount of cobolt and other substances in their products, due to environmental concerns.

How can I prevent my roof box from fading?

Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it?) we can’t put away the sun! The UV damage is going to continue but there are steps you can take to counteract the damage. Skiguard recommend using Owatrol’s Polytrol to restore your roof box at least once per year. It’s easy to use and can restore the color and shine of your roof box easily – just follow these simple steps:

  1. Clean the surface with warm, soapy water and allow it to dry for at least 12 hours (you can use Owatrol’s Net-Trol in place of soap here)
  2. Apply Polytrol generously with a brush or cloth and leave for 10-20 minutes
  3. Wipe off any excess with a lint-free cloth
  4. Allow to dry

Repeat this process whenever your roof box is showing signs of beginning to dull or fade to revive its color. This isn’t exclusive to roof boxes though – you can use Polytrol on many surfaces including fiberglass (GRP), gelcoat, plastics, stone, concrete, tiles and even tarnished metal.

Polytrol applied to plastic Garden furniture

What is Polytrol?

Polytrol is a deep penetrating oil which restores the original color and appearance of dull or tarnished plastics, gelcoats, metals and other surfaces. It penetrates the surface, re-wetting the pigments to restore their color and shine which has been lost through exposure to UV rays and it also gives corrosion protection.

Before & After Polytrol applied to moped

Polytrol dries to a tough and long-lasting flexible finish which does not leave a film – so it won’t peel or flake.

Read SkiGuard’s Recommendations here.

Owatrol Team
About Owatrol Team

Our team are ready and willing to support you with your requirements whether it is protecting your newly laid deck or renovating a luxury yacht, whatever the application Owatrol US has the solution you are looking for.

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