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.
They have recognised 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.
Why does my roof box fade?
Roof boxes are generally made from pigmented polyester (known commonly as gelcoat). As the surface suffers exposure to UV rays (especially during the summer) the colour and shine can both fade and dull.
Standard black or white roof boxes are more susceptible to this than roof boxes painted to match your car. This is because 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. The new normative is applied throughout the EU/EEC, and is something we, as a manufacturer, must adhere to.
How can I prevent my roof box from fading?
Unfortunately, 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 colour and shine of your roof box easily – just follow these simple steps:
- 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)
- Apply Polytrol generously with a brush or cloth and leave for 10-20 minutes
- Wipe off any excess with a lint-free cloth
- Allow to dry
Repeat this process whenever your roof box is showing signs of beginning to dull or fade to revive its colour.
What is Polytrol?
Polytrol is a deep penetrating oil which restores the original colour and appearance of dull or tarnished plastics, gelcoats, metals and other surfaces. It penetrates the surface, re-wetting the pigments to restore their colour and shine which has been lost through exposure to UV rays and it also gives corrosion protection.
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.
We hope you found this post on how to stop a roof box from fading interesting. If you have any other advice or top tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
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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 has the solution you are looking for.
Hi
Please can you tell me if your product is suitable for my brown guttering which has faded and the brown plastic edge covers around the bungalow roof. Sorry not sure what these are called.
Many thank, Mrs Spencer
Hi Mrs. Spencer,
Firstly apologies for the delay in response, your message was for some reason caught in our spam filter. Polytrol is perfect for brightening your faded guttering and fascias around your bungalow roof! It enhances the pigments of faded plastics and can be easily applied with a brush or cloth.
Please let us know if you need any further help,
The Owatrol Team
I have some East facing black soil pipes and guttering that have faded to light grey.
Will your product help and how long will it last between having to redo the process?
many thanks
Roger F.
Hi Roger,
Polytrol is definitely the product you need to restore your pipes. As for how long it will last, that will depend on the condition of the underlying pigments but we would expect it to last a couple of years depending on sun exposure before needing a maintenance application.
Many thanks,
The Owatrol Team