- Dec 30, 2009
- 680
Hi all, just got a good look at my fenders whew, dirty....Help me out I recall seeing a thread over the summer someone had a cleaner they said was really effective, and simple.I 'll try the search again ... Red
fenders cleaned
- Thread starter redhead78
- Start date
- Status
My neighbors tell me that Wesleys Bleach White work for them. I throw 'em away, and replace them..
LA's Totally Awesome, found at Dollar General for... wait for it... yup, a dollar a bottle.
It does work well.
It does work well.
Chis, wow, that's expensive. Those things are 60 bucks or more for a pair. I tend to replace items readily but even I can't justify throwing fenders away if they aren't punctured.
FWIW -
many times there will be a 'developed' sticky/gooey crud build up on PVC fenders, etc. ... and this is beyond normal 'dirt' or staining and is 'real difficult' to clean no matter what cleaning 'concoction' is used.
When PVC is molded, specific organic compounds (dioctylphalate, etc.) are added to make the PVC 'flow' during the molding process; and, the 'sticky/gooey' substance that eventually over time is found on the surface of the soft PVC is that 'molding assist' compound coming to the surface of the PVC. The good news is - that goo is soluble in lightweight OIL; the lighter 'weight' oil, the higher the solubility. Penetrating oils as are found in PB-Blaster, WD40, etc., or even plain #2 diesel oil will if you apply and *let soak* will greatly enhance the removal of the 'sticky/gooey' build up that eventually appears on thickly molded soft PVC ... although, some 'scrubbing' will be needed. The oil penetrates and dissolves/softens the goo but not the PVC .... 'soak time' of the oil is important.
This applies not only to soft PVC fenders; but also, to the 30 & 50, etc. amp electric service cords and other 'soft' PVC that ultimately becomes sticky, gooey, and UGLY .... and sometimes can be quite expensive to replace - just because they became 'sticky or gooey'.
;-)
many times there will be a 'developed' sticky/gooey crud build up on PVC fenders, etc. ... and this is beyond normal 'dirt' or staining and is 'real difficult' to clean no matter what cleaning 'concoction' is used.
When PVC is molded, specific organic compounds (dioctylphalate, etc.) are added to make the PVC 'flow' during the molding process; and, the 'sticky/gooey' substance that eventually over time is found on the surface of the soft PVC is that 'molding assist' compound coming to the surface of the PVC. The good news is - that goo is soluble in lightweight OIL; the lighter 'weight' oil, the higher the solubility. Penetrating oils as are found in PB-Blaster, WD40, etc., or even plain #2 diesel oil will if you apply and *let soak* will greatly enhance the removal of the 'sticky/gooey' build up that eventually appears on thickly molded soft PVC ... although, some 'scrubbing' will be needed. The oil penetrates and dissolves/softens the goo but not the PVC .... 'soak time' of the oil is important.
This applies not only to soft PVC fenders; but also, to the 30 & 50, etc. amp electric service cords and other 'soft' PVC that ultimately becomes sticky, gooey, and UGLY .... and sometimes can be quite expensive to replace - just because they became 'sticky or gooey'.
;-)
Good point. One thing to consider is that most of us have Taylor fenders, which have a lifetime warranty. If they crack or leak, you can get them replaced.
But, when I "discovered" the brush cleaner stuff (thanks to a dockmate who clued me into how easy it is), I "brought back" two horrible looking old fenders to "as new condition" in less than half an hour. I have two more in my lazarette still to do. Plus, of course, I've got a package of three new ones in my dock box!
In order to keep them in good condition, spray them with Armorall, Maguiar's Hot Wheels spray, or any auto tire spray. Make for an easier cleanup next time.
t-shirts make great fender covers--mine are dirty because of hard work. i dont bother to clean or cover them. t shirts, here in tropix, last 3-6 months, depending on season--used are great--thrift stores rock.....and you can get plain white for cheap in many places.
Looks good and polishes the topsides while they hang there! I bought some polar fleece covers years ago when I got tired of cleaning fenders and never looked back (to those days wasted cleaning something else). Anything that lowers the maintenance work must be good.
Yeah, maybe I shouldn't have been more "harsh". Filthy fenders are just a problem with me, that infringes upon my obsessive/compulsive personality. I look at some of these beautiful yachts, including the project I'm on now, with those nasty things hanging over the sides, yuuuuuuch!
BTW, the warden makes me throw them away. Her dime..
BTW, the warden makes me throw them away. Her dime..
What about PVC Dinks??
Bob
Has anyone tried WD40/PB Blaster on a PVC dinghy? After 4 years my WM dinght looks like hell. We work hard to clean it up and 3 weeks later its turned an ugly brownish tone. Of course WM says this isnt a Warranty issue.
Bob
Brush cleaner?
Who makes the brush & roller cleaner, and where is it sold? I've never seen the stuff, as I throw away brushes and rollers. I'm certainly more inclined to keep and clean my fenders. So is there a brand name for the cleaner?
I've used wheel & tire cleaners with some success, and also bug & tar remover, but both require a good deal of elbow grease to produce a clean white fender.
Thanks,
JerryA
Who makes the brush & roller cleaner, and where is it sold? I've never seen the stuff, as I throw away brushes and rollers. I'm certainly more inclined to keep and clean my fenders. So is there a brand name for the cleaner?
I've used wheel & tire cleaners with some success, and also bug & tar remover, but both require a good deal of elbow grease to produce a clean white fender.
Thanks,
JerryA
You can find it at any Lowes or Home Depot. We just bought some a few days ago. Chuck
Chuck is right. ACE used to make their own brand, but now carry some non-ACE generic name. Ask for paint brush & roller cleaner. Pretend you really need to clean brushes and rollers!
Clean the boat thoroughly with acetone, and give it two coats of 303 Protectant. The 303 prevents adherence of dirt and is an excellent UV screen.
Whenever you wash the boat reapply 303 if the PVC loses its slickness.
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