How to Make a Kayak Shine

Kayaks get exposed to all sorts of grit and grime. Saltwater and brine, rocky outcrops in rivers, dirt, sand and mud all conspire to keep your kayak filthy. Luckily it is easy to polish and shine up your prized craft. An added benefit of shining up the boat is longer life for the materials the kayak is crafted from. Fiberglass, kevlar and roto-molded plastic all benefit from removing the abrasive substances that take away the "new kayak" sheen.

Things You'll Need

  • Two saw horses
  • Armor-All or similar product
  • Non-abrasive cleanser
  • Sponge, bucket and soapy water
  • Hose
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Instructions

    • 1

      Empty all gear out of the kayak and set it up on the two sawhorses. Spray it down with the hose.

    • 2

      Wash down the kayak with a sponge and warm, soapy water, Take care to get in between the storage hatches and the combing. Wash the inside of the storage hatches and the cockpit to give the kayak an added level of cleanliness. Rinse the soap off the kayak and spray out the hatches and cockpit. Let the kayak dry.

    • 3

      Apply some of the non-abrasive cleanser to a fresh sponge and use a circular motion to wipe down the bottom and top of the kayak hull. Rinse the kayak to rid any excess cleanser or sediment off the boat. Let the kayak dry.

    • 4

      Spray down the exterior of the kayak with an Armor-All like protectant. Wipe down the entire kayak with the protectant and let the kayak shine and sparkle.