Polytrol F.A.Q's

Polytrol FAQ’s

We get a lot of FAQ’s about our colour restorer Polytrol. It’s a fairly unique product and so it is understandable that people should have questions about it.

To make things quicker and easier, we thought we would consolidate the most popular questions all into one place to make it quick and easy for you to find the answers!

How long does Polytrol last?

It varies as to how often Polytrol will last depending on the levels of UV rays, weathering and pollution the surface is exposed to. As a general rule of thumb, Polytrol will usually last around 12 months before you need to reapply.

However, surfaces exposed to high UV and weathering (such as by the sea) will require it more often, whereas surfaces that do not have this type of extreme exposure won’t require another application for potentially 24+ months.

Where can I buy Polytrol from?

You can purchase Polytrol directly from us. We stock it in a variety of sizes from a 250ml spray can to a 20 litre tin as well as samples.

We also have stockists all over the country that may sell Polytrol. Once you have found a location close to you, we recommend you give them a call to check that they stock Polytrol as not all of our stockists stock all of our products.

Does Polytrol contain any silicone?

No, Polytrol does not contain any silicone. It uses Owatrol Oil technology.

Does Polytrol contain linseed or teak oil?

The makeup of our products is commercially sensitive information, however, we can confirm that Polytrol does not contain any linseed or teak oil.

Do you sell Polytrol in Wickes, Homebase, B&Q or Amazon?

We do not currently stock Polytrol in any of these stores.

Can I use Polytrol on a composite door?

Yes you can and it is very effective too. Take a look at some of the last reviews left on the Polytrol product page to see some amazing before and after pictures sent in by our customers.

Is Polytrol safe to use internally? Such as on car dashboards etc.

Polytrol can be used for internal purposes such as on dashboards. However, we recommend you apply it as early in the day as possible to give the area being treated as much time to air out as possible.

Do you ship to Northern Ireland?

We do not ship to Northern Ireland as we have a supplier in Ireland where you can purchase Polytrol from directly.

Do you ship to the Scottish Highlands?

Unfortunately, our standard courier does not deliver to the following postcodes:

ZE, BT, IM, JE, GY, IV, HS, KW, PA.

However, if you give us a call on: 01582 592707 we may be able to arrange another courier for you.

Can I use Polytrol on car bumpers, trims and bodywork?

Yes, Polytrol can safely be used on car bumpers, trims and body work. It can be used on plastic, metal, composite wood, fibre glass, GRP, tiles and more!

What do I do with surplus Polytrol?

Any left over Polytrol should be transferred to a smaller, airtight, closed metal or glass container and kept from freezing and high temperatures.

Do you have samples of Polytrol?

Yes, we sell samples of Polytrol for £6 with free next day delivery when ordered before 2pm. You can find the sample on the product page in the size drop down menu.

Can I use Polytrol on white surfaces?

Polytrol cannot be used on white surfaces as it works by restoring pigments which white is lacking.

How long should I leave Polytrol on the surface?

After proper preparation of the surface, Polytrol should be left to work for 10 – 20 minutes. It is important that you do not let the Polytrol dry out and create a film on the surface.

Do I have to remove all previous finishes/treatments before applying Polytrol?

Yes, any treatments or finishes on the surface need to be removed before application of Polytrol. This is because Polytrol works by saturating deep into the surface to re-wet the pigments that have dried out and lost their colour and shine. Therefore, anything blocking it from saturating will prevent it from working.

I applied the Polytrol as per the instructions but my surface looks the same. Why didn’t it work?

If you have prepped the surface and applied the Polytrol correctly but see next to no improvement, unfortunately, the pigments may just be too damaged to restore. If the surface treated has been exposed to many years of harsh UV rays and weathering, there is a chance that even Polytrol cannot restore it.

When do I need to re-apply Polytrol?

Another application of Polytrol can be carried out when a Polytrol treated surface shows signs of fading. You should prepare and re-treat the surface as you did before.


Whilst we are fairly active on social media, if you have any technical queries about Polytrol, please call us on: 01582 592707 or send us an email to: sales@owatroluk.com as we will be able to assist you much quicker than via comments or direct messages.

We are a small team and as such we do not check our social media pages every day. There may be a delay in replying to queries on our social pages so we always recommend speaking with us via phone or email for time sensitive queries.

We hope these Polytrol FAQ’s were helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We love hearing from you!

You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest at @OwatrolUK or find us under the hashtag #OwatrolUK

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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 has the solution you are looking for.

10 thoughts on “Polytrol FAQ’s

  1. I have used polytrol on my composite door last summer as r
    The door was fading come up like a new door .
    Now the door is very patchy will a new coat of polytrol bring it back to life or would I have to strip the door . I would like to send you pictures hoping you can help me

    1. Hi there Ken,

      Thanks for your query. If the door has simply begun to fade, you are fine to give the door a clean, wait for it to dry and then apply another coat of Polytrol like you did previously.
      If however, the door is peeling, Polytrol will not be able to help I’m afraid.

      If you would like to send us in some photos to be sure, please send them to sales@owatroluk.com where a member of staff will be able to help you further.

      All the best,
      The Owatrol Team

    1. Hi there Hugh,

      Technically you can thin Polytrol with white spirit but we highly recommend against doing so as (among other things) it will hinder its effectiveness. Polytrol should be used as is for the best and most effective treatment.

      If you have other queries on Polytrol please do contact us directly on: 01582 592707 or send us an email directly to: sales@owatroluk.com where we will be able to assist you further.

      All the best,
      The Owatrol Team

  2. Hi, please could you give me advice on how to remove polytrol restorer as it’s gone really Matt on the surface on caravan panel. Is there any way of removing this without damaging the paint work.?

    1. Hi there Stephen,

      We are sorry to hear you have not got the finish you were after with Polytrol. The most common reason for when a treated surface becomes matt is because the excess Polytrol was not wiped away sufficiently after application / Polytrol was left on the surface for too long and dried out creating a coating.
      Polytrol works from inside the surface so if left to dry out, or if you don’t wipe away all the excess, a matt coating can form.

      Polytrol can be removed with either Aquanett: https://www.owatroldirect.co.uk/product/aquanett/ or Dilunett: https://www.owatroldirect.co.uk/product/dilunett-gel/
      Neither product will damage automotive paint, as in remove the paint, however Dilunett may dull the painted surface.

      Should you require any further assistance or advice, please feel free to call us on: 01582 592707 or email us directly at: sales@owatroluk.com where we can help guide you better.

      All the best,
      The Owatrol Team

  3. Hey, will Compo Clean can also remove Polytrol?

    Compo-Clean

    I used Polytrol on my motorcycle plastics and it got sticky..
    Aquanett I can’t find in my country and I’m afraid that Dilunett will remove or damage my motorcycle paint.

    1. Hi there Nir,

      First of all, I’m sorry that this has happened to you. I have spoken with the technical team and they have come back to me with the following information:

      “They are probably best off spraying it with white vinegar, applying baking soda paste or using something like WD40 degreaser, as this should at least get the sticky/tacky Polytrol off. Then assess the surface after. If it still hasn’t removed, it is probably best to let it dry out and break down naturally. Dilunett will remove it, but it could remove any paint that has been applied. It may be wise to try a sample on a hidden area and see.”

      You mention you cannot find Aquanett in your country – can I ask where you are, please? I could pass your information on to a representative in that country who may be able to assist you further?

      Apologies we could not be of more assistance to you at this time.

      All the best,
      The Owatrol Team

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