Removing rust stains

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richardh10

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I have recently replaced the steel mast tabernacle with a new shiny stainless steel one. However it has left a lot of rust stains on the coachroof. I will be repainting the coachroof and decks as soon as it warms up but what is the best way to get rid of the stains before I start, or shall I just paint over them?

Cheers
 
Another vote for Oxalic Acid.

I bought it like this (ebay link) and it's been fantastic mixed with water and plain washing up liquid (to make the solution stick) and applied with a hand-held garden spray bottle. As a general fiberglass cleaner it can't be beat IMHO. Be careful with skin and eyes though - works best warm in warm weather. Did a good job on the rust stains from my gas bottle locker.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1kg-Oxali...tEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item3f0adbb33c
 
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Yes, anything with oxalic will do but just buy some crystals from eBay or other source. Very useful for lots of jobs on a boat and cheap in comparison with the marine teak or grp cleaners.

I always mention temperature when oxalic acid is being recommended. If you are in the Orwell then temperature is likely to be a problem in winter. Oxalic based products don't work well below ~10C. Use rubber gloves, pour warm water over the work area and make up a 5%-10% solution using warm water (20C is fine). Stains will vanish in minutes at 15-25C but would take hours at low temp. (if it worked at all).

Low temp. has been the problem every time I've spoken to people who said oxalic acid didn't work when they tried it. Same applies for Y10 etc. as oxalic acid is the active ingredient.
 
+1 Definately Oaxalic acid.
Mix in wallpaper paste to hold it on vertical surfaces.
Very cheap to buy and mix your strength as required from the popular auction site.
 
Baggywrinkle said:
Another vote for Oxalic Acid.

I bought it like this (ebay link) and it's been fantastic mixed with water and plain washing up liquid (to make the solution stick) and applied with a hand-held garden spray bottle. As a general fiberglass cleaner it can't be beat IMHO. Be careful with skin and eyes though - works best warm in warm weather. Did a good job on the rust stains from my gas bottle locker.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1kg-Oxali...tEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item3f0adbb33c
Click to expand...

+1
 
nigelmercier said:
Oxalic Acid at 10% dilution
Click to expand...
+1

This stuff is excellent, buy it in powder form. Amazingly it is used in many branded products that cost "alot" more for basically a lot less. I just bought some on eBay, to dilute and then clean my car.

In the boating industry a brand well known is called "starbrite Rust remover" in the Automotive trade Autosmart do the same product called "Fallout remover"

I am not 100% sure but pretty sure its the same basic set up.

I just dug out the item I bought, not the cheapest but pretty cheap I think, I didnt have much time to look for it on the day I ordered it.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130672302665
 
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