I've been using Soft Scrub or Comet on my gel coat sides. My sides show the micro cracks in the gel coat where the dirt gets into. I try to wash/scrub the sides every two months, to keep it looking as clean as possible. I have yet to invest the time (or $$$) required to cover the cleaned gel coat with some kind of wax or coating. My vinyl decals/stripes have been holding up great, no fading or cracking. Front and end caps are fiberglass, so they have none of the micro cracks that the sides do.