Have some very old rust stains on jib luff from internal wire cable - I’ve tried lemon juice w/baking soda, CLR, as well as detergents, all to no avail… Is there anything that will get rid of old rust stains without damaging the fabric..???
Removing rust stains from sail fabric…?
- Thread starter Bocatura
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,877
No not really…Looks like you have tried the usual suspects. You might give OxyClean a try, but if the rust stain is set into the threads of the cloth, it is likely permanent. At some point all sails reach the end of their life journey. Have the sail examined by a sail loft. Do not be surprised if they tell you it is only a matter of time before the cloth tears. One technique used to evaluate the sail is to puncture the cloth with a sail needle. It is a clear sign as to the age of the cloth and the viability of the threads that make up the cloth.
There are companies that offer to “revitalize” your sails and give them a crispness again. I have not had any experience with the longevity of this investment.
There are companies that offer to “revitalize” your sails and give them a crispness again. I have not had any experience with the longevity of this investment.
I was surprised at how reasonable it was to have my genoa and main cleaned and fixed. The loft's standard cleaning process removed a number of stains. The cost was around $200 for everything.
If all else fails, perhaps a white paint pen will make it less noticeable
If all else fails, perhaps a white paint pen will make it less noticeable
The Oxalate anion in potassium oxalate will chelate the Fe+3 ion in rust and lift it out. The "rust" becomes water soluble. Unlike oxalic acid, potassium oxalate is a mild base solution so it is not as harmful to the fabric as oxalic acid.
Here are a few places you can order it
It is not harmful to get it on your skin but don't get it in your eyes, mouth etc. and don't breath the dust. It will inflame your mucous tissues.
Here are a few places you can order it
Potassium Oxalate - 1 Pound - Monohydrate ACS | eBay
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It is not harmful to get it on your skin but don't get it in your eyes, mouth etc. and don't breath the dust. It will inflame your mucous tissues.
I am not sure that is correct. According to this page, it does not contain any oxalic acid or oxalate
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,877
Interesting…. How does that happen based on the chemical reaction issues of an Acid and the organic nature of the cloth thread?
Oxiclean and many dish washing powders contain percarbonate, which generates peroxide when dissolved in water.
No acid (the pH is slightly alkaline as diluted), won't remove rust stains. But it is safe on sails, at standard concentration. Most professional sail cleaning products are based on the same chemistry, and the standard soak period is 2-4 hours. Longer does not help, because the peroxide dissipates.
If local treatment with dilute acid, such as CLR at recommended dilution, does not remove the stain, remember that it is not a wedding dress and go sailing. Overly harsh treatment to remove a stain can damamge the sailcloth and is not seamanlike.
Re. acids and fibers, polyester is inert, nylon is vulnerable. Google the fiber name and "chemical compatibility." Basic chemistry.
Sometimes it is better to ignore the stain. It's not hurting anything.
No acid (the pH is slightly alkaline as diluted), won't remove rust stains. But it is safe on sails, at standard concentration. Most professional sail cleaning products are based on the same chemistry, and the standard soak period is 2-4 hours. Longer does not help, because the peroxide dissipates.
If local treatment with dilute acid, such as CLR at recommended dilution, does not remove the stain, remember that it is not a wedding dress and go sailing. Overly harsh treatment to remove a stain can damamge the sailcloth and is not seamanlike.
Re. acids and fibers, polyester is inert, nylon is vulnerable. Google the fiber name and "chemical compatibility." Basic chemistry.
Sometimes it is better to ignore the stain. It's not hurting anything.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,877
