Wax on...Wax off

In the 70's we build several all composite airframe structures which were flight tested and static tested. After the army contract was over we let the static test sit outside for an environmental test. The sun began to oxidized the epoxy resin after about 5 years. After about 10 years fibers were starting to show through the resin that was oxidized away, this was in Ct not in Az. What started off as a 60% fiber to 40% resin which is typical for aerospace composite laminates only about 20 % of resin was left after 20 years. Several coats of paint eliminated this problem. So wax, Zeps, Polyglow or paint is required to stop oxidation of the gel coat resin. Zeps or Polyglow will adhere better to an oxidized surface that has been properly cleaned than to a newer shinier surface. I could no longer hand polish after mine after about 15 years so I used the Zeps and was very pleased with it(effort vs shine). I applied the zeps 5 years ago and reapplied every other year on the sidewalls the from cap was applied every year because of the bugs that splattered. If I was younger without rotator cuff repairs I would use an electric polisher with a cutting compound then finish it of with a good boat wax. Being over 70 now and 4 Ti moly bolts in each shoulder those days are over for me.