oxidized gelcoat

[Syversens]

Hey all, I would like to freshen up my gelcoat after a nice cleaning this weekend. used boatsoap/brush and pressurewasher and the result was OK. I wouldnt mind getting rid of the little yellowish spots around the cockpit and some areas on deck as well as streaks down the side... anyone have any products to recommend that work well and easy to apply ? I found one called vertglas but not sure how well its suited for sailboats.... any tips on a deep cleaner and wax would be greatly appreciated, my boat is all white...thanksGaute

 

[larry w]

you have the classic oxymoron in your post,

"works well and easy to apply" Works well usually means elbow grease, and easy to apply usually means doesn't work that great.

 

[Mike B]

Bar Keepers Friend

Gaute, try using Bar Keepers Friend, you can buy most anywhere. It has oxcylic acid in it which will remove those yellow stains caused by the chemicals in the sea water. Lightly scrub the stains and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. It's the acid, not elbow grease, that will remove the stains. Rinse the area with fresh water and then apply a fresh coat of wax as the acid will remove any in that area.Mike

 

[Syversens]

cleaning products

I read a different post about the oxcylic acid and reviews saying that will work and you supporting it is thumbs up for me. I also heard its important to get it all off before applying more wax so I'll give this a try on a small area.Kind of thought it was an oxymoron but trying to stay positive with this type of boat therapy... I'd rather go sailing and minute saved cleaning is another minute sailing. I know there are products that work poor and are hard to apply and I don't want to try that again so I went for the opposite

 

[chris]

just use deck cleaner or "roll off"

I have not found anything yet which cannot come off with deck cleaner (I use West Marine brand) or "Roll Off". I use the latter sparingly since I am pretty sure it takes the wax off. If I really get a tough one, I use just a little bit of household cleaner with bleach, but make sure I rinse well and quickly.