Which cleaners/solvents are safe for gelcoat

[timangiel]

we just splashed last week, but when my boat was on the hard it was situated near a tree, which shed seeds all over my cockpit and left a sap residue that is difficult to remove. I tried your basic boat soap which did nothing. I'd like to try some different things but I don't know what may be harmful to gelcoat. How about acetone, paint thinner, easy off oven cleaner? Anyone know if it would be safe to try this stuff, or have any suggestions that may have worked well for you?

Thanks

 

[jlp0217]

I have used acetone, mek, mineral spirits, and goof-off with no ill effects. Mineral spirits works well on pine/fir sap.

 

[Allan12210]

Not Easy Off. Most of the really alkaline materials can in time damage the gelcoat. This includes the Jabsco paint strippers. Those must be watched very carefully.

The organic solvents like mentioned above are ok.

 

[Stu Jackson]

In addition to or maybe instead of paint thinner, try paint brush & roller cleaner. Works great on fenders, too, instead of acetone.

 

[BlowMeAway]

I had the guy with the best looking fiberglass boat in the Marina tell me he uses Spray Nine exclusively for all his cleaning needs. I just ordered some on Monday...hard to find at the local marine supply shops. Worth a try, right?

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=8428

 

[ggrizzard]

I've used OxyClean in solution with good results. 1/2 scoop to 1 Gal water.

 

[whatfiero]

95% rubbing alcohol

 

[timangiel]

Thanks for the replies guys. I have used spray nine before and that is good stuff.

Regards

 

[Wes Gardner]

Spray Nine and one of these....Spray Nine is potent stuff so go easy...same with the drill brush!

 

[centerline]

Not Easy Off. Most of the really alkaline materials can in time damage the gelcoat. This includes the Jabsco paint strippers. Those must be watched very carefully.

The organic solvents like mentioned above are ok.

easy off wont harm the gel coat either... I have used it on several boats to remove the chalky residue on old gelcoat without all the buffing... just spray it on, let it soak for 30 minutes and scrub it off.... but it does need to be washed afterwards. using it on a painted surface takes a bit more care, but can still be done.

so if the gelcoat is dull and chalky, using the easy off oven cleaner on the all the dirty spots could leave the boat looking like a blotchy leopard with colored spots.... its effective.

jasco paint stripper is the harshest (the best) stripper available for consumer use, and it can safely be used on gelcoat also... what you dont want to do is soak any gelcoat parts over night in the stuff as it could temporarily soften it, but for normal use to strip paint or clean with it, a few hours on the surface of polyester gelcoat does not hurt the gelcoat or the finish... but it will strip everything from the surface of it.

BUT.... tree sap is usually best removed with WD-40... or the goof-off product.

 

[Apex]

liquid dishwasher soap does a good job on the sap. Do NOT get on delicate plastic (plexi, windows, etc.) and rinse thoroughly.