Cleaning up Cetol
- Thread starter peterbud
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Acetone has been used to clean gelcoat for decades. It will not hurt the gelcoat unless allowed to set for a long time, such as a rag that is soaked in it left laying on the gelcoat. It will strip off any wax, etc. Probably a lesser solvent should be tried first, but if all else fails the acetone might work. I say might, because once the Cetol has dried it will be difficult to get off. We use exclusively Cetol on our exterior teak. I have had to carefully remove some that was spilled with a razor blade. It is always best to clean it up before it dries. Chuck
Whenever I am using Cetol I keep a can of paint thinner and a rag nearby to pick up drips. It is a pretty easy to use product but it does drip especially if there is any kind of wind, which there usually is. Cetol cleans up easily with a rag soaked with thinner, not so much once it has dried.
I pretty much do the same thing CalebD does, i.e., keep a rag and thinner handy when using Cetol. In the past, I've gotten a few drops of Cetol on the non-skid next to the handrails. It is pretty much impossible to remove these spots once they have dried. Instead, I take a small artist's brush, with a point, dip it in some white enamel, and bingo, Cetol spot disappears.... Works for me.
Yup, too late now for you! 
Gotta learn to keep cleaning as you go on a boat. Warren's idea is wonderful!
Gotta learn to keep cleaning as you go on a boat. Warren's idea is wonderful!
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