Just found out how good Oxalic acid is!

seanfoster

seanfoster

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After reading a few threads about oxalic acid I bought some from ebay (about a fiver for 500g) and used it today on my 30 year old yacht.

To say I was amazed by the results is an understatement, the browny, yellowey grp has come up like new!

I mixed about 3 teaspoons to 100ml and brushed it on with a scrubbing brush, has anyone got any other tips on how to mix it? The main problem is it runs off vertical surfaces so hasn't got much time to react?

Also anyone got any magical tips on how to clean stainless steel?

Also my cleats have dulled over the years, what are these normally made of, they dont seem to be stainless? What's the best way of cleaning these?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
 
I only found out this week that it could be used on GRP , i thought it was for timber . I assume it would act like paint stripper on a painted surface ?
 
I always apply the stuff with a wrung out sponge. Never felt the need to thicken it in any way.

Seems to work quicker in warmer weather.

Takes a number of applications on rusted metal. Don't think it will 'brighten up' any other material other than lightening wood.
 
I have a 20 litre of concentrate, locally its called "Metal Gleam". Professional fishermen use it to clean up paintwork and remove stains. I use it in the live bait tanks when they are emptied to clean off the yellow staining on the white flowcoat. The tanks hold 6 ton of water. I mix about 2 cups to a bucket of warm water and apply with a soft broom taking care to avoid splashing near the face. Leave for a few minutes and hose off.
Also excellent on alloy boats. Bought an old Prindle 16 off Ebay the other day that had been sitting about for years and gave it the treatment, stunning result.
Trawlers use it when they go on the slips over the hull paint. Prepares the topsides nicely for a repaint.
 
Tiss temperature sensitive imho.
Better when taint freezing cold outside.
Always mix it with a bit of wallpaper paste.
Stops it running everywhere.
If nowt else.
Helps to 'Stipple' it in on stubborn bits of 'Mank '.
Well that's My experience.
 
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I assume it would act like paint stripper on a painted surface ?

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The proprietory cleaners based on Oxalic Acid say that they do not damage sound painted/varnished surfaces.
 
I bought some earlier this week from the local Brewers (a decorating supplies shop) where it is sold as wood bleach.

Chandleries sell various proprietary cleaners with it in, including timber cleaners and hull cleaners like Y10 (which is a gel rather than a liquid).

You can also purchase the pure oxalic acid by mail order.
 
If using it un-thickened (without the paste) then you can spray it on with a garden sprayer. Actually I use an old hand one with the trigger spray, but when it refused to pump, I got an empty Windowlene (or something) sprayer and used that. What you want is a coarse mist, not a jet. Remember safety precautions (gloves, eye protection and mouth mask.)
 
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anyone know where to obtain it

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Interesting to learn that it is obtainable from Brewers

Mail order from AG Woodcare

Your local pharmacist may be prepared to order it for you as well.

Do not forget that it is an acid, it is corrosive it is also harmful by ingestion and skin absorption and is fairly poisonous.
Take care therefore when handling the solid and solutions, dispose of waste properly and be sure solid and solutions are clearly labelled and stored out of sight and reach of children.
 
I bought a bottle of crystals on Ebay for delivery to Spain. No probs. Now I'm reading up on what I can use it for /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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