Cleaning GRP Decks and Topsides

[Ceejay]

My Anderson 22 has lain outdoors for 2 years, uncovered, awaiting attention. The time has arrived for the big push and I hope to get some sailing done this season. I am reluctant to buy expensive cleaning products specially packaged and promoted as suitable for the purpose only of cleaning GRP yacht surfaces, when I am certain that such products also exist in the world at large, probably at a fraction of the cost and in realistically large containers for the job. Does anyone know what ordinary type proprietary cleaner would freshen my topsides and remove the grime caused by recent neglect? I don't suppose sugar soap would be appropriate...would it? I am not greatly burdened with the task of saving the planet, so would not be troubled if there were no such reference on the labelling, as seems to be the norm with cleaning products directed at yacht owners.
Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks.

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Ceejay on 25/03/2004 20:08 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Hardley]

DO NOT USE SUGAR SOAP.
From caravan shops or Betterware you can get tubs of cleaner, about £3 a tub, you will need 2 or 3.
Think it is called OXY (some thing like that) it is a paste, you spread it on, leave for 10 mins and scrub off.
Did my boat last spring and it is still good. About this time last year I sent a post, giving more details to someone who was asking the same question.
I am busy launching tomorrow, but if no one else reply's to your post, I will find the tub out on Saturday and get back to you.
Good luck & get sailing.

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[bob_tyler]

My boat had a good covering of seagull s--t and green slime. I borrowed a small electric pressure washer and it came up like new - little cost and no chemicals.

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[Hardley]

I would not recommend Pressure Washing, it is sure to open up pin pricks in the Gel Coat.

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[bob_tyler]

My boat (Invicta 26) is 40 years old and did not suffer.

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[Ceejay]

Thanks for your reply Hardley. Sounds as though you are on my wavelength. I just can't believe that yachtsmen fall for the trick of buying a product allegedly produced especially just for them and pay over the odds for the privilege. I'll check out your post from last year. Cheers

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[boatless]

I'm sure that someone will tell me why it's wrong, but Thick Domestos brought an old Laser of mine up like new!

<hr width=100% size=1>my opinion is complete rubbish, probably.

 

[Ceejay]

Found it on the www.betterware.co.uk site. It's called oxy magic £3.99 per 500g tub. I've ordered some and will give it a go. Many thanks. Charlie.

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[ruff_n_tumble]

Why not sugar soap?

<hr width=100% size=1>Steve Marsh
Hunter 27 OOD "Ruff-n-Tumble"
Gosport

 

[FullCircle]

My Jouet had stood for a couple of years under a tree when I bought it, and was duly coated.
I rallied my mates and family, and we got the topsides job done in 8 hours. Minimal cost really, just used Jif (Cif?) and plastic scouring pads, and some other gunk I found in the garage, bleach, T-Cut. Cost about 2 quid.
But....
I took the b*ggers to lunch in the pub, and supplied Cokes/Beers/ Sandwiches all day. Cost? About 35 quid!

Doh!


Jim & Lynn

<hr width=100% size=1>Second Chance - First Love. Still no wind instruments, c'mon peeps its for (my)charity

 

[pvb]

Own-brand \"Cif\"...

I use own-brand "cream cleaner" (Cif-type stuff) from Tesco or Sainsbury, squirted on to a sudsy sponge. Works a treat!

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[starboard]

If you think preassure washing causes a problem you certainlly have one!!!!it is the best non chemical way of cleaning your deck....NON TEAK THAT IS. If you find a leak FIX IT.

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[GARYOFFSHORE]

T-cut is a very good alternitive for the GRP. Try using a electric buffer to cut down on the time it will take. After the surface is clean remember to wax the surface with a suitable UV wax, trust me it will make subsequent cleaning a doddle!!

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[VicS]

If it's just dirt and grime then Cif or similar will do the trick. I personally would not use the variety with bleach but I cannot identify any technical reasons why not.

If you subsequently want to restore the colour and the original gloss of the gel coat then much has been said in the past on these forums which a search or two will reveal.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[sailorman]

oxalic acid
available @ chemists, same stuff but bound to be less expensive

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[chrisc]

If you had used Oxyalic acid and lots of water it would have taken 1 hour
i joke not

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[Hurleyburly]

The trouble with Cif and other similar cleaning products is they are quite aggressive and abrade the gelcoat. The scratches it leaves behind will fill with dirt and oil, then the job'll be twice as difficult next time, as well as dulling the hull long term.

Think about the bath at home which is GRP and cleaned with Cif, is it still nice and shiny after 5 years ?

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[Talbot]

Recommend that you post a request on the MOBO forum for a product known as Muckfarters (I kid you not) One of the forum members there has mixed up a fearsome brew that is incredible in its cleaning power. I tried some last week and was very impressed.

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[VicS]

The abrasive in Cif seems quite mild and we are not talking about cleaning a boat twice a week just getting it clean after standing unloved for a long period.

It's cheap, it's available from every supermarket and corner store and there's probably a bottle in the bathroom that you can 'borrow'. Also you will find it's what the valleting service uses on the big stinkies in the marinas.

BTW our 24 year old grp bath still looks good.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[Hardley]

Hi,
The cleaner from Betterware is called “Oxy Magic” It is a powder that you mix into a paste.
From Caravan Shops the cleaner is called “Silky” £2.45 a tub; it is a cream, applied with a damp cloth.
Hope that helps, good luck with the cleaning, they bought my decks up as white as new.



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