Wire wool worries

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tomg

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Wire wool was used to clean teak handrails and cappings but the debris was not completely removed. Parts of the fibreglass deck are now spattered with small rust specks which do not respond to soapy water and scrubbing brush. Someone suggested a 20% solution of oxalic acid followed by a similar soloution of bicarbonate of soda to neutralise the acid. Any other thoughts please?

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A bit late now I'am afraid but always use a domestic stainless pad and not wire wool.

They are also no more expensive.

Sorry can't offer any advice on the rust spot removal.

best of luck

Iain

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I have used dishwasher powder and a nail brush for the same problem, with pretty good, if not complete success. Wash it off well, as it's fairly aggressive.
Dan

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We have here, in Spain a product named Ferronet, which works very well. I don't know the composition thou, but can have a look the next time I go on board.

This said, always use just a soft sponge and washing up liquid for teak, never ever any sort of hard brush, let alone wire wool. Teak is a soft wood!

Bon vent.

Paul





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G'Day Tom,

Go with the oxalic acid, it is fast and easy, little or no rubbing and no damage, just leave it on for a couple of minutes and hose it off, apply again if not all removed, works very well.

Almost any stainless steel cleaner will remove rust stains from fibreglass.

Hope this helps. . . . .

<hr width=100% size=1> Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif Growing old is unavoidable. However, growing up is still optional.
 
You can also get proprietary cleaners cotaining oxalic acid, Ive had a tub for years but cant remember what its called, bound to be different by know any way.

Remember oxalic acid is very poisonous but being a weak acid is otherwise relatively safe to handle. I wouldnt worry to much about neutralising with bicarb just wash away thoroughly after use.

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Just use the oxalic acid and leave it until the rust spots disappear, then wash off with lots of running water.

You will, of course, find it impossible to buy tiny quantities of oxalic acid (Cannings sell it in 25kg drums). However Starbrite hull cleaner contains oxalic acid with some teepol and even if the price is a ludicrous rip-off, it's still cheaper than 25kg of the pure compound.

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Try "Bar Keepers Friend". It's a sort of scourer cum metal polish that cleans most things. You should be able to get it in your local hardware shop.

Bill.

<hr width=100% size=1>One of these days I'll have a boat that WORKS
 
Thanks for all the helpful replies. The work was done by a good, non boaty, friend of mine who obviously didn't appreciate the problems it would create. With luck I'll get the rust spots off before he sees the boat again. Thanks again.

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Most chemist sell small tubs of Oxalic acid, I paid £4.50 for a tub earlier this year.
Good for cleaning the hull as well.
No need to buy 25 kg drums!

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Oxalic solution ?

What do you mean by 20 percent solution when oxalic acid comes as a powder? If you get a tub of bag of it from the chemist as I did (I think about £5 for 1 kilo) what's the ideal mix? I just kept adding powder until no more would dissolve, then applied it to my teak. It worked a treat but I used all my powder. Is there a better and cheaper way of doing it?

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