Cleaning fibreglass

[dickandjill]

Hi
Is it ok to T Cut a white fibreglass? I have just bought it and its a bit grubby and dull.I intend to T Cut and then Wax it.Should I?

 

[LeytonC]

no, no its not (IMHO), send a personal message to user DepSol and ask him to look at this thread he will be able to help you.

 

[chas]

Try 'Wipe Out' and then polish. Should be able to get it from Chandlers.

 

[Slow_boat]

I bought some 'mer' cleaning paste, which is finer than 't' cut and not amonia based but havn't tried it yet. I have used toothpaste on chrome and it worked a treat, It's water based and finer than 'T' cut.

Cheers
Duncan

 

[cardinal_mark]

After removing the black water run-off stains and rust marks this year I went over the hull with a 3M product called 'GRP (or was it fibreglass??) Colour Restorer and Wax'. The results are really impressive with lots of admiring comments around the yard and not too much in the way of effort on my part.

It didn't seem as abrasive as T-Cut but I have to say I didn't rub too hard cos I was a bit apprehensive (and lazy). Overall, unless I sink next season, I'd say it was well worth the tenner and the elbow grease!

Mark

 

[yoda]

I would start with a cleaner such as Y10 containing oxalic acid. These non-abrasive cleaners are very good and remove more than you may think.

Yoda

 

[nyx2k]

i am a car valet and occasionally do boats as well. I've been using a trade car polish for elderly paint work as it contains a very very fine abrasive. t-cut is too harsh and the fine scratches will be seen underneath the polish.

 

[LORDNELSON]

Y10 is very good. I usually use the following sequence:1. Good wash with detergent, 2. Y10, 3. Use a yacht GRP abrasive cleaner (as fine as available), 4. Wax and polish twice. It really looks good on my 18 year old boat!

 

[Nickcf]

Is Y10 the same stuff as truck cleaner (very good at removing traffic film etc) that I've seen recommended?

 

[Sneh]

I don't know if this link works .. but you may want to read up wahat others have said about Poliglow ... I write from an educational purpose I hasten to add ... good luck http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php?C...true#Post651992

 

[dickandjill]

Thanks everyone for your replies.Glad I asked the question before going ahead and doing it.I will visit my local chandlery tommorow and buy something suitable.

 

[LORDNELSON]

I do not know. Y10 is, I believe, basically a dilute solution of oxalic acid in a gel. I believe the more technical sailors buy their own oxalic acid and dilute it - much cheaper but requires careful handling.

 

[adrianb]

Chandlers are OK, often called swindlery's !

buy on line, get delivered to your marina office, harbour office, home wherever .-

The 3m product mentioned is quite good to start with, but after washing and polishing PLEASE get a wax coat on top - a good quality one will last a while - and then it's just a top up with a spray wax.


These products are imported from USA - and are in stock UK......

www.cleanandshiny.co.uk

 

[Dave99]

Defintely suggest you use a rubbing compound followed by a marine polish. As adrianb says, whatever you do dont use an abrasive/cleaner without repolishing as you hull will look clean for about 12hrs and will then be grubby, not any easy one to fix!

 

[johnpye]

T-cut and compounding pastes are more aggressive than you need. We do a pre-wax cleaner that has detergents and a fine polishing action to restore colour and shine.

Follow up with a good wax which includes a UV inhibitor. Preferably carnauba wax for the best shine, or use a modern PTFE to make it non-stick. Alternatively, you can use a glaze product like our UltraGlaze.

You can keep the wax topped up with a wash & wax shampoo.

Best to use a matched set of products formulated for boats - there's more information on our website.