Oxalic acid

Allan

Allan

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 Mar 2004
Messages
4,695
Location
Lymington
Visit site
During my recent post about gelcoat cleaning a number of people recommended oxalic acid. I have spent the last few days trying to buy some with no success. has anyone any suggestion as to where I may get some?
 
I bought some in February from:-

Mylands Ltd
80 Norwood High Street
West Norwood
London
SE27 9NW
tel: 020 8670 9161

I think they have a website.

A 500 gram tub [product code 17-899-9080] cost £4.95 plus vat.

It's worth getting their catalogue, which lists all kinds of "hard-to-find" wood treatment products, solvents, materials etc.
 
Maybe Oxalic acid was suggested as the ingredient to look for when you're buying gelcoat cleaner. Products such as Y10 and the other gelcoat cleaners that contain oxalic acid work much better (and with less effort) than ones that don't.
You will probably find the ones that contain it are twice the price - but just need wiping on and then wiping off ten minutes later with a damp cloth.
 
I got some from them last year and agree that it works fine.

But it doesn't stay put like Y10. Has anyone any idea what they put in to make it gloopy? Wallpaper paste helps a bit but isn't half as good.
 
Most pools shops should have it in crystal form - when we used to clean the hull we used two large tablespons to a bucket of water.
Surprised also at the commnet on avoiding stainless steel. We also use a Spanish purchased liquid rust remover on our stainless and its active ingredient is listed as Oxalid Acid. But of course we do rinse it all off once it has done its job.
Cheers
JOHN
 
Plenty of suggestions there about where to buy it.
Remember it is very toxic both by ingestion and skin absorption. Wear gloves and goggles. Apart from that it is not particularly hazdous to handle. Dispose of waste carefully and keep out of childen's reach.

See here for basic safety data

I'm also surprised about the claimed dramatic effect on stainless steel but i am not in a position to argue. If it get onto SS wash it off to be on the safe side.
 
After spending time hunting around for recipes and a source of oxalic acid, then getting it [plus wallpaper paste], I came to my senses and realised that, although I might save a few quid by making my own cleaner, I could spend my time more more productively attending to my business and earning more than enough to be able to afford a jar of Y10 cleaner [and save myself the bother of making it]. A £10 jar is more than enough for a 28 foot boat.

A case of "spending a pound to save a penny"

ps I find it works best on a warm day, if you are lucky enough to get one during fitting out!
 
The multiples don't seem to "list" it, but if you try an independent pharmacy they may be a bit more helpful. That's how I got the stuff anyhow.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

Sea Change
Mini sandblaster for rust spots on keel?
2 3 4
Replies
63
Views
2K
Mister E
M
davethedog
Raymarine AP No drive detected and invlaid command errors
Replies
4
Views
221
davethedog
davethedog

Share this page

Top