Stupid, stupid, stupid!!

[ailsaboat]

I unstepped the mast while doing some fairly major steel work on deck. While working i remembered to clean up the grinding dust so as not to stain the paintwork(clever) but forgot about the mast 6 feet away alongside the boat(stupid)
Now my mast has rust specks along most of its length.
I have used phosphoric acid to remove rust stains elsewere and still have some left. Is Phosphoric acid safe to use on anodized alloy, or does anyone know of a better product for my mast?

 

[andyorr]

Not sure about it but would "Y10" work? Available in chandlers, it is a gel that will remove almost any type of rust stain from GRP.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I had the same on some aluminium window frames fitted temporary to the cabin sides of my new steel yacht. I used one of there green kitchen sponge, washing up liquid and elbow grease.

Came up a treat.

 

[macd]

Y10 should certainly work (or oxalic acid, its main active ingredient).

 

[thomashoebus]

oxalyc acid is the best rust stain remover and is less harmless than more aggressive acids which don't do the job better.

 

[polwart]

"less harmless"

? sounds confusing

In answer to the original question - you should be fine with phosphoric acid on aluminium. Coca Cola contains significant quantities of phosphoric acid and is packaged in Al cans.