Gelcoat Cleaning

[m1taylor]

Hi

I have a nice brownish stained area on the white gelcoat of my boat above the water line. It's proving difficult to shift - any recommendation for best hull cleaner ?

 

[Johnjo]

Oxalic Acid mixed with water

 

[kieronriley]

just use harpic limescale remover toilet cleaner its blue in colour so its easy to se where you have put it on just use a clean cloth to apply it all over hull leave it on and watch it work it will take about 20 to40 mins and then wash it of with lots of fresh water its magic and will cost you only about one pound when it works tell the foram so everyone else who reads this will also know it works KIERON

 

[Nigel_Ward]

I have tried branded tubs of oxalic based cleaners but with limited success (maybe it is just not strong enough!). Last year I used bathroom cream cleaner with bleach (similar to CIF but cheaper brand) and with a bit of elbow grease it worked fine. I'm definitely going to try the limescale remover suggestion though, as anything that does not require hard labour gets my vote.

 

[AGalloway]

You've been mixing it wrong Nigel. Oxalic acid would remove sin from the devil's own soul - don't worry about it being too strong as long as after about ten to twenty minutes you hose with gallons and gallons of fresh water to neutralise it.

 

[Swagman]

Oxalid Acid Crystals are a cheapo way to make your own cleaner to remove iron stains. We used it a lot when living in Australia (it is used in swimming pools) - most Western Australian waterways are full or iron residue and lead to brown staining on hulls way above the waterline.

A huge tub (approx 2 gallon size) used to cost approx AUS$10 and a small cup into a two gallon bucket of water was the right mix for us.

Lasted for years.

But suggest you wash off well before 10 / 20 minutes - it is an acid.

Then polish to recreate as smooth a finish possible to retard further staining.

Good luck.