The Hermosa Journal

Graphene Ceramic Coating for Marine Applications: What Really Matters

Preparing gel coat, caring for a coated boat and setting realistic expectations for marine use.

28 January 2026By Scott Bradley

If you are thinking about coating a boat or jet ski, start with the condition of the gel coat and how you use the craft. Preparation, application and ongoing washing all affect the result. The automotive up-to-five-year claim is not a five-year marine durability promise.

Prepare the gel coat before protecting it

Gel coat differs from automotive clear coat. It can become chalky or dull as it oxidises, so inspect and clean it before deciding whether correction is needed. A cut and polish or two-stage correction may be part of that preparation; the coating does not replace that work.

Read the current application guide and check the surface is suitable. Do not use extra layers as a substitute for dealing with contamination or a damaged finish.

Scott’s experience on Lake Wanaka

I previously owned two WaveRunners used on Lake Wanaka. Both were over 10 years old with more than 200 hours of use and showed the usual scuffs, marks, and wear you’d expect.

After a two-stage gel coat correction, I applied Hermosa Graphene Ceramic Coating across the hull, bump strips, and plastic components. The results were excellent — deep gloss, easier cleaning, and strong water repellency. The coating was still performing well after 12 months, which is when the skis were sold.

Plan for the conditions your boat sees

Salt exposure, storage and access to fresh water make a difference to the care routine. Rinse with fresh water after use and wash regularly. Leaving salt and contamination on an uncovered craft creates a different maintenance job from caring for a regularly washed freshwater craft.

Hermosa Ceramic Shampoo contains SiO₂ and can add a hydrophobic maintenance layer during washing. Follow its directions and continue inspecting the underlying surface. Maintenance products do not replace the preparation needed before coating.

Decide what you need before buying

The Hermosa range is suitable for fibreglass, plastic, metal and glass, including marine and recreational vehicles, when the relevant product directions are followed. Choose for your particular surface rather than assuming every product has the same use.