Cleaning/restoring white gelcoat

[Even Chance]

Hi folks,
Ive just painted the anti-slip pads on the deck of my E-Boat a nice grey colour, and the white deck gel-coat between the pads is now looking even shabbier than it did before.
I tried cleaning it with Jif years ago, but it made little impact for loads of scrubbing.
Any other ideas before I break out the 2-pack white paint I have left over from painting the roof of my old Mini?

Cheers,

Barry

 

[hunter_europa]

Apparently biological washing powder does a good job. I have been meaning to try it out for a while but just haven't got round to it yet. I have heard of two methods, the first being just to treat it like normal soap then rinse off, the second was to make the powder into a paste then leave it for 30-60 minutes before washing it off. I might try it our later on this afternoon if I get the chance.

 

[Even Chance]

Will note that one down and try it, thanks. If you try it first, please report the finding to us all.

Any other ideas?

 

[hunter_europa]

I'll try it out on an inconspicuous area tonight and let you know if it works!

 

[gjgm]

Hi folks,
Ive just painted the anti-slip pads on the deck of my E-Boat a nice grey colour, and the white deck gel-coat between the pads is now looking even shabbier than it did before.
I tried cleaning it with Jif years ago, but it made little impact for loads of scrubbing.
Any other ideas before I break out the 2-pack white paint I have left over from painting the roof of my old Mini?

Cheers,

Barry

you could try a small test area with 1200 wet and dry (or 2000 if you can find it). At least it will show if it will clean up. Or 3m gel restorer, but probably needs a sanding machine- £40 Silverline.

 

[OGITD]

Yep!

you could try a small test area with 1200 wet and dry (or 2000 if you can find it). At least it will show if it will clean up. Or 3m gel restorer, but probably needs a sanding machine- £40 Silverline.

+1

 

[Even Chance]

The areas to be done are quite small, ie 3" wide between the raised anti-slip pads.
Its still looking to me that the easiest/quickest route will be to 2-pack paint it with a good quality brush.
I have 1500 and 2000 wet and dry that I use for flatting the paint on the Mini after spraying it, as well as cutting compounds. Im just a lazy bugger thats looking for a quick and lazy chemical solution!!

 

[kieronriley]

hull

well for years now i have been cleaning my hull with harpic limescale remover toilet cleaner,works a treat and no effort no rubing or scrubing it does all the work,inc.rust stains,if you want to tyry it let me know and i,ll tell you how to apply.Kieron

 

[Even Chance]

Sounds like my perfect answer! How do I go about using it? I will try it on a wee bit thats not seen first tho.

 

[kieronriley]

method

pick a dry day,use the harpic neat on a clean dry cloth and apply to the surface,its blue so you can se where you have applied it dont spread it to far then leave it to do its work,you should try to do it on a day thats not to sunny as you dont want it to dry out.you will find that if you have any cuts on your hands it will sting like ???? so gloves may be needed,keep away from eyes,and when the harpic has done its work then rinse off with plenty of water.it contains a very weak solution of hydrocloric acid and thats what makes it work so be carefull.i have used it on my hull for about twelve years or so and still never fails to amze me when the gunge just disapears,best of luck.Kieron

 

[rudolph_hart]

http://www.wessexchemicalfactors.co.uk/index.php

These people do a range of specialist stuff, including a 2-stage GRP renovation system. The effect it has on a hull with over-winter stains from rainwater runoff, rust, exhaust stains etc is dramatic.

They also do a 2-stage teak cleaner which is equally as impressive.

I do my hull and teak brightwork with them every year. No connection, just a satisfied user.