Rust Stains on Sail

[spiller]

I have a 1980 Superseal which I have just painted and consequently everything else now looks worn and old.

In am attempt to brighten things up, I want to clean the sails.

As a test I have astorm jib which I discovered buried below, but have never used. It has "severe" rust stains and (living in Dubai) I cannot find a Rust Removing Stain Devil, or similar, since it might contain a banned substance !

I have heard that certain diluted acids,added to the soaking water, can remove these rust stains.

Any advice, or tips, would be very welcome.

S Sea Lantar

 

[kieronriley]

oxalic acid ,worked on mine

 

[jmh2929]

If oxalic doesn't work try dilute phosphoric acid, it's the acid in rust treatments. It doesn't harm fabrics. If worried test on similar material. It didn't harm my sails.

 

[Talbot]

isnt phosphoric acid one of the ingredients in coca cola?

 

[Searush]

[ QUOTE ]
isnt phosphoric acid one of the ingredients in coca cola?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, but it's pretty dilute. Nevertheless it is an excellent chrome cleaner - I use it for derusting recycled bikes.

I wouldn't use it on sails tho' - the caramel, sugar & colouring will do more harm than the rust stains. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Lakesailor]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I had a rust stains on my headsail and forumites made various scurilous remarks about my activities in the forepeak. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Nothing worked on mine, probably similar aged sails.

Live with it and on your first new set, if like me you will not allow anything to stain them, touch them, use them, look at them etc.

I tried all sorts, the staining had gone into the material, I think the methods you have been told may save a newish sealed bit of cloth, but as it is so old, na na.

Start saving, if your sails are like mine were, they probably need replacing for more than just stains. Sorry to bear bad news. It is a pleasure having new sails even though it took me two seasons to afford them!

 

[StevenJMorgan]

Ssealanter

Welcome to the forum - I'm in Dubai too - boat based at DOSC - where are you??

 

[dmayes]

Why not get some terelene dye and colour the whole sail a rusty red colour?

 

[steveh]

If you can get it, soak in a dustbin or similar with 'Biotec' washing powder, for about a week. Then lay out in the sun and apply lemon juice and sprinkle with salt. This will bring the stains out. It won't get rid of them completly but works very well!

 

[charles_reed]

Oxalic acid

will be the most effective remover. Soak the stains for about 20', then rinse out thoroughly .