Hull discolouration ( brown staining )

Re: Oxalic acid source

I've got a whacking great big teak toe rail which needs doing, plus when I revarnish the cockpit this autumn I'll re-colour the teak faced ply there too. I got through a tub of teak cleaner just doing the handrails. And then there's the fact that the stuff cleans hulls anad decks too. If I find some I'm going to buy it.
 
This is more common in brackish water - as we get in the inner fjords here in Denmark. I think it's to do with the kind of algae you get there.

Anyway, oxalic acid is definitely the way to go - and if you look carefully, you can find scouring powders where it's the main ingredient. I know Ajax used to be, but I'm not sure if it still is. Don't scrub! Just apply a liberal mixture with a soft brush and let it sit - you can thicken it with wallpaper glue but I've never tried that.

Here in Denmark we have a product called "Dantec Gelcoat cleaner" which works chemically and removes the discolouration very well. I don't know if you can get it in Blighty.

After that, Custom Marine Polish will help - for a while. Apply twice - wait a week before the second time and don't skimp.

Lost in Denmark - a yachtsmans paradise!
 
Re: Oxalic acid source

For those who haven't lost the will to live because of the tediousness of my search for oxalic acid crystal - Rydenor do 2.5 Kg for £5.88 by mail order.
 
Re: Oxalic acid source

http://www.rydenor.co.uk/
Approx £2 a kilo. Sold in a solution as teak cleaner it's £12 for 10% of a litre = 100gm + a bit for the litre is heavier than H2O. = £120 a kilo. Is this a record? Thieving b£$%&*^s in chandleries again.
 
Re: Oxalic acid source

Ypou can also mix your own teak cleaner, as opposed to teak brightener (oxalic) The bottles contain, caustic soda, household bleach and soap, you just have to get the mix right, I have but I'm not telling you, as you may get it wrong and bugger your decks and blame me, experiment on a bit of teak is all I'll say.
 
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