Dirty Anchor® FAQ – Stay Shiny, Join Our Crew
Welcome to the Dirty Anchor® FAQ. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional detailer, this guide will help you get the best out of our marine-grade ceramic coatings, cleaners, and surface protectants.
⚓ General Questions
What makes Dirty Anchor® products different from other marine coatings?
Dirty Anchor® products are engineered specifically for marine environments — not repurposed automotive formulas. Every coating is custom-blended to handle abrasion, water born minerals, UV, and high-heat conditions found on boats, docks, and watercraft. The result: a slick, ultra-hydrophobic surface that stays shiny and cleaner longer, free of oxidation, and requires less maintenance.
Are Dirty Anchor® products safe for all surfaces?
Yes and No each product and formula is purpose-built. For hard gelcoat and paint surfaces we have Protect Finish, Shield, andGuard. For hard Glass surfaces we have Glass, For Vinyl and leather surfaces we offer Vinyl, for canvas and fabric surfaces including carpet, we offer Canvas. We also offer Boost, which can be used on all non food contact surfaces. Each product is formulated to deliver maximum protection without damaging finishes or factory protectants.
Do I need to use multiple Dirty Anchor® products together?
While each product can be used independently, the best results come from layering within the Dirty Anchor® system:
- Prep → cleans and prepares the surface
- Protect / Finish / Shield / Guard → apply the base ceramic coating
- Boost → monthly or quarterly topper for added gloss and slickness
🧴 Product-Specific Questions
Dirty Anchor® Prep and Dirty Anchor® Vinyl Prep
What does it do?
Prep removes oils, residues, and contaminants before applying a coating ensuring the strongest possible bond.
Can I use Prep on vinyl or leather?
No. Use Dirty Anchor® Vinyl Prep for soft or porous surfaces. The original Prep formula is designed for hard surfaces like gelcoat and paint.
Dirty Anchor® Protect
What is it?
Protect is our professional-grade ceramic coating that delivers extreme gloss, UV defense, abrasion resistance and hydrophobic performance for 5+ years
How do I apply it?
Use a microfiber applicator and apply in small 3ft X 3ft sections. Allow 1–2 minutes for flash, then buff to a brilliant finish. Always apply on a clean, cool, and dry surface after using Dirty Anchor® Prep.
Dirty Anchor® Boost
What is Boost used for?
Boost rejuvenates existing coatings by restoring gloss and hydrophobicity. Think of it as a “quick detailer” with ceramic power.
How often should I use it?
Every 1–3 months, depending on use and exposure. Regular use keeps the surface feeling slick and looking freshly coated.
Dirty Anchor® Shield
What’s the difference between, Protect, Finish, and Shield?
Protect, Finish, and Shield are all professional level coatings and can be used on the same surfaces. With Dirty Anchor® ceramic products, a little goes a long way!The Dirty Anchor® Shield Kit was created for smaller vessels and projects like Jet Skis and dock boxes.
How is Shield different from products like Finish and Protect?
Honestly, not much. The shield formulation is a graphene coating like Finish, where Protect is a ceramic coating. Shield offers the same protections as Finish and protect and is formulated for marine applications just in a smaller size for smaller projects.
Dirty Anchor® Guard
What is Guard and where can it be used?
Guard is a graphene based coating that is easier to apply and a very cost effective solution that is designed to be applied to all hard surfaces like Gelcoat, paint, and even hard glass!
How is Guard different from Finish and Shield?
Guard is formulated with less “solids” which means that it does not have the same longevity as Finish and Shield. Guard is designed to offer the same protections as the others but has to be reapplied every 12 to 18 months which is why we suggest it be reapplied every season.
Why choose Guard over Finish or Shield?
Guard is a great solution for vessels that are not slipped in the water or for customers that are not comfortable with applying the applicator style coatings. With Guard, you have more time to work with the product before buffing.
Dirty Anchor® Canvas
Can I use Canvas on fabric bimini tops or boat covers?
Absolutely. Canvas repels water, UV, and stains on marine fabrics without affecting breathability. It’s safe for Sunbrella® and most woven fabrics.
How long does it last?
Up to 6 months depending on exposure and wash frequency.
Dirty Anchor® Glass
Is Glass safe for all glass and plexiglass surfaces?
Yes. It works on windshields, portholes, hatches, and clear plastics. However, it is NOT suitable for Eisen Glass! It dramatically improves visibility and water beading, even in salt spray.
Does it reduce fogging?
Glass helps resist fogging and spotting, especially when paired with proper surface preparation.
Dirty Anchor® Vinyl & Vinyl Prep
What’s the difference between Vinyl Prep and Vinyl?
Vinyl Prep is a gentle, micellar-based cleaner that removes oils and contaminants before application. Vinyl is the actual protectant that conditions, shields, and rejuvenates soft surfaces like vinyl seats, leather panels, and marine upholstery.
Can I use Vinyl on suede or leather?
Yes, both Vinyl Prep and Vinyl are safe for those materials when applied lightly with a microfiber cloth.
🌊 Application & Maintenance
Do I need professional installation?
No all Dirty Anchor® products are DIY-friendly. Follow the instructions on the label or visit our website and YouTube channel for step-by-step instructions.
Can I apply coatings in direct sunlight?
Avoid applying in full sun or on hot surfaces. Ideal application temperature: 60°F–85°F (15°C–29°C) in a shaded, ventilated area.
How should I maintain coated surfaces?
- Wash with a pH-neutral soap
- Avoid harsh degreasers or abrasive pads
- Use Dirty Anchor® Boost regularly to maintain slickness and gloss
⚙️ Technical & Safety Information
Are Dirty Anchor® products VOC-compliant?
No — Not all formulations meet U.S. VOC regulations. These products must only be stored and applied in well ventilated areas. See the Warnings listed on the products for more specific instructions.
Can I use Dirty Anchor® products on personal watercraft, RVs, and autos?
Definitely. While marine-formulated, our coatings perform equally well on gelcoat, paint, and plastic surfaces on ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, and vehicles.
📦 Ordering, Shipping, and Returns
Where can I buy Dirty Anchor® products?
Directly from our website at DirtyAnchor.com, or through authorized resellers on Amazon and eBay.
How fast do orders ship?
Orders typically ship within 1–2 business days (Monday through Friday) from our Michigan facility. Tracking numbers are automatically emailed once shipped.
What is your return policy?
Unopened products may be returned within 30 days of delivery. For defective or damaged items, contact us directly for a replacement or refund.
🧭 Need More Help?
For custom detailing guidance or wholesale inquiries:
📧 sales@dirtyanchor.com
📞 616-822-8011
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