I have fenders that are in good condition except each one sems to have collected a coating of black tar on the upper end. I have tried removing it with soap and a stiff brush but it is very difficult to remove, and ends up marking the hull with black streaks. Have others had a similar experience with fenders- it appears that something in the air is collecting on the top and it is similar to tar or even asphalt. What have you used to get this gunk off or is it time to throw the old fenders away and get new ones. Except for the tar on top they are in good shape. Thanks!
Removing gunk on fenders?
- Thread starter Dave 85 Catalina 30
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cleaning fenders
Last year I decided to try Rolloff on my dirty white fenders. Spray it on, wait a minute or so, then scrub with one of those blue scrubbies with the handle. Rinse with a hose. It really worked for me. Alice
Last year I decided to try Rolloff on my dirty white fenders. Spray it on, wait a minute or so, then scrub with one of those blue scrubbies with the handle. Rinse with a hose. It really worked for me. Alice
If it is tar, you could use mineral spirits,
then wash it with some soap to get rid of the solvent. For general cleaning, I use Simple Green on my fenders, with a mild scrubby pad.
then wash it with some soap to get rid of the solvent. For general cleaning, I use Simple Green on my fenders, with a mild scrubby pad.
Try some foam plastic cleaner
two years ago I was dumpster diving and found three fenders all covered with black gook. They were holding air so I took them home. I found some spray on foam vinyl cleaner (I can't remember the name of the stuff) at We$t Marine and sprayed it on them - they can up great. I kept two of them and gave on to a kid on out slip who had helped me do a few things.
two years ago I was dumpster diving and found three fenders all covered with black gook. They were holding air so I took them home. I found some spray on foam vinyl cleaner (I can't remember the name of the stuff) at We$t Marine and sprayed it on them - they can up great. I kept two of them and gave on to a kid on out slip who had helped me do a few things.
I Have Used Meneral Spirits...
...or Paint Thinner very sucessfully. Even removing the marks on the hull, it removes like a dream.
...or Paint Thinner very sucessfully. Even removing the marks on the hull, it removes like a dream.
Soft Scrub or Soft Scrub with bleach
Both work for us. The Sub Scrub without bleach has more pumice so scrubs better. Mark
Both work for us. The Sub Scrub without bleach has more pumice so scrubs better. Mark
Fender cleaning
I have been using an old standby product from the automobile industry that is used to clean white walled tires. - Wesley Bleach White. It is a lot less expensive than marine products and does a much better job than anything else I have tried. Just spray it on, wait a couple minutes and use a brush to clean the fender. Hose it off and your fenders will look like new. Paul s/v Lady Sara Hunter Legend 37
I have been using an old standby product from the automobile industry that is used to clean white walled tires. - Wesley Bleach White. It is a lot less expensive than marine products and does a much better job than anything else I have tried. Just spray it on, wait a couple minutes and use a brush to clean the fender. Hose it off and your fenders will look like new. Paul s/v Lady Sara Hunter Legend 37
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
removing gunk
... I use acetone to remove petroleum/rubber based stains. You know, like when your hull scrapes the rubber dock guards? Put a little on a rag, wipe then rinse with fresh water. Now.... rubber fenders are a lot more work. Many people use canvas fender covers so they don't have to mess with it.
... I use acetone to remove petroleum/rubber based stains. You know, like when your hull scrapes the rubber dock guards? Put a little on a rag, wipe then rinse with fresh water. Now.... rubber fenders are a lot more work. Many people use canvas fender covers so they don't have to mess with it.
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