Brown Stain on Cabin Liner Gelcoat

[jmcclain]

Our Beneteau 321 has a number of areas on the fiberglass cabin/deck liner that are badly stained. Most stained areas seem to be at corners or on curved surfaces. The stains don't appear to be spreading or getting any worse than they were 3 years ago when we purchased the vessel. I have tried numerous mild cleaners on these areas with no success. One semi-knowledgeable person suggested that origin of the stains is from the original layup and were caused by the presence of excess mold release agent. Is there any practical way to remove these stains? I have been reluctant to try anything stronger than mild soaps and cleaners.Thanks for your help! These forums are better than great!

 

[Tom]

Acetone

Try some acetone on a clean rag, on one small inconspicuous area (say 1/2 in. in diameter) and see what happens. If a little acetone does not take the stain out, probably nothing else will, assuming it is a stain on the surface.

 

[R.W.Landau]

Try a product that removes rust.

I had some stains that would not come out with regular cleaners. I tried, I think it was either Duro Stain Remover or CLR.r.w.landau

 

[Augie Byllott]

Beneteau

If it was me, I'd contact Beneteau directly and ask their advice.

 

[Rich]

and try rubbing alchohol!?

JM, I had stains like that around on my liner and found to my surprise that ordinary rubbing alcohol did the best job of dissolving them (they may have been stray marks from wood staining). Using some kind of armor-all afterward (such as the "fiberglass protecting wipes" they sell at West Marine) finished the job nicely.