Glidecoat developed a solution to this annoying problem. The solution is RPL, which stands for Repellent Protective Layer. RPL is a titanium dioxide infused top coating that is extremely oleophobic (resistant to oils), photocatalytic (self-cleaning), and hydrophilic. This combination of attributes is what makes RPL so effective at solving the problem of stubborn exhaust stains.
Once RPL is applied to the surface, that surface becomes extremely oleophobic, meaning it has a lack of affinity for oils. This key feature hinders the oily carbon-based emissions from adhering to the surface, allowing the stains to wipe away with ease With the use of Tio2 (titanium dioxide), RPL also makes the surface photocatalytic. Coated areas become self-cleaning. Tio2 is activated when exposed to natural light which allows the coating to chemically break down stains and contamination on the surface, reducing or eliminating the appearance of such stains.
RPL also creates a hydrophilic surface as opposed to a hydrophobic surface, meaning that it sheets water instead of beading water. This aids the self cleaning characteristics of the RPL coating by sheeting water that carries away dirt and contaminates, while also making the surface less prone to water spotting.
RPL is most effective when used in combination with Glidecoat’s innovative Marine Ceramic Coating, enabling residual soot to be simply wiped away with a cloth. But when used on bare or waxed paint or gelcoat, staining is still far easier to remove when RPL has been applied. This dramatically lowers maintenance time and costs, whether for the owner of a 35’ sportfisher doing the job himself or a crew detailing a 150’ megayacht.
Using Glidecoat RPL is straightforward for both the deckhands and professional marine detailer. The unique formula can be applied with a sprayer by lightly, but thoroughly, misting a 3’ x 3’ section. Or if by hand, a quarter-sized dollop is placed on a microfibre applicator and worked in an overlapping up-and-down, side-to-side pattern. The surface is then buffed with a clean microfibre cloth to remove any excess coating and achieve a uniform finish.