mold

Vega1447 · Jun 9, 2010

If black mold (never had it in boat but do get it occasionally on
ceiling over a small shower stall in my house) I find a mixture of
undiluted hypochlorite bleach and abrasive liquid (Cif is what I use)
is very effective. Just rub it in (wearing heavy rubber gloves) and rub
it off.

Maybe not so good on wood surfaces but ok on grp?

A dehumidifier running on shore power is very effective in preventing
the problem - I leave my boat in the water all winter and leave cushions
etc on boat. With dehumidifier running, no problem with mold.

John V1447 Breakaway

pjacobs55 · Jun 9, 2010

I've used TSP (trisodium phosphate) in hot water and a scrub brush with good results. It's available at any paint department. Use gloves, rain gear, and lots of ventilation.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

nowellchandler · Jun 11, 2010

Simple green and a 3M pad is working for me. I had some of the worst mold in history as well (look at my water tank thread to see).

Nowell
#176 - "Aquila"

wemccourt · Jun 11, 2010

The only permanent remedy for mold is dry air circulation. You need to provide a method to circulate fresh air to where your mold is forming. Good luck! Probably a solar powered mushroon ventilator will work for you.

Vega's have always been well ventilated by design. You might want to make sure your installed vent system is intact before spending money on a ventilator

Bill McCourt
Reston, VA.

nowellchandler · Jun 11, 2010

Ahh, yea, preventing mold in a marine environment isn't easy. I hear Borax is a great way to do it. Leaves a slight powdery cover on things, but, people have said mold will definately not come back. Have to clean with the borax solution every 3 months or so. Just google around for it and im sure you'll find some posts.

Nowell
#176 - "Aquila"

pjacobs55 · Jun 11, 2010

If you want to re-paint the interior cabin fiberglass surfaces, I have a product I swear by (not 'at'). I've used it on two boats, one done over 5 years ago, and the other, my Vega, done in 2006. It has all the right attributes for a boat interior paint, including being mildew-proof!

Here's a link to the information sheet:

http://tinyurl.com/268o7ba

All I can say is it's pretty magic stuff. Oh yes, and I don't have shares in the company ... darn!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

pjacobs55 · Jun 11, 2010

As it's a water-based paint, there was only a slight odour when applying. After that there was no noticeable smell at all, not like the solvent-based paints, which seem to smell for quite a while.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

nowellchandler · Jun 14, 2010

Thanks Peter, I was looking for a good interior paint! Curious how you prepped. Just like normal, or did you have to do something special as its an acrylic paint (I would assume bonding might be questionable on fiber?).

Thanks!

Nowell
#176 - Aquila

pjacobs55 · Jun 14, 2010

Nowell,
Apart from the usual removal of grease, oil, and loose flakes, the paint bonds to almost any suface, including tile (according to the specs in the link).

After scrubbing, I used a 3M Scotch Brite pad (gray one)to scuff up the surface.

CAS – Central Authentication Service

academic.evergreen.edu

Two coats of paint will do the trick. The next day, after it 'dries', it seems to attract moisture and look wet, but this is part of the curing process.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

nowellchandler · Jun 14, 2010

Excellent, im going to run out and buy a gallon this week! It says they can mix it with other soft colors, im thinking of trying some light green or something.

How does it do at filling in the rough surface of the fiber? Im assuming it gets smoother after the second coat, but is it as smooth as the coach roof for example?

Thanks again!

Nowell
#176 - Aquila

pjacobs55 · Jun 14, 2010

Nowel,
It's not really a filler at all, just a paint. I had to convince the folks at Home Depot to tint it, so maybe print out and take along the info sheet, which also covers tinting technique.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

pjacobs55 · Jun 24, 2010

Joseph,
No primer ... the paint I used is self-priming and will stick to any clean surface, no matter how smooth.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

pjacobs55 · Jun 24, 2010

I used it on the interior cabin surfaces, but I used a good quality enamel-based paint in all the lockers and the bilge, as it's tougher for the wear and tear that locker areas get.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

pjacobs55 · Jun 24, 2010

Good ventilation is the key to a dry boat, and the Vega seems to be a well ventilated little ship. That said, I'm in the cooler climes of the Pacific Northwest, and have had no problems. I find the shiny gray enamel easy to keep clean, and it's quite forgiving when hard objects are dropped into the lockers. I suspect the Zinsser paint might not be as durable in the locker areas, but it stands up well in the cabin.

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'