Removing Wood stains from Glass Boats

[adamleah]

My Boat "17ft Haines" is currently parked under the decking at my house ... after this massive lot of rain we have had, the timber has leached tannins out which have subsequently landed on the boat and stained the Gel coat....

What is the easiest way to remove the stains?
I have been told that Hydrochloric acid will open the pores and bring out the stain in most cases ... Has anyone tried this?

Also does anyone know of anyone whom does boat detailing?
The old rig may need a professional polish after this cleanup...

Adam

[jaybee]

Hi Adam
don't know if this will help havent tried it, but a small amount of eucalyptus oil on cloth may do the job, it appears to be good for lifting stains on other items.
cheers
Joe

[aido]

methyl ethyl ketone (mek) might do it.
rips most stuff off fibreglass, including the
wax layer of the gelcote. test it on an spot
thats not obvious to start. use a clean lint free
rag and small amounts to start.
if thats too heavy duty, try some isopropyl alcohol,
that also powers through stains, and slightly milder.

maybe even try some lanospray, no risk of damaging
the finish.

use caution at all times, i've used all three and thats
what works for me, don't blame me if the mek makes
a mess of the gelcote. waiting for some more input here
on what works best might be the go.

good luck, aido.

[banshee]

G'day Adam,toothpaste works on rust stains around steel fitings this may help with woodstains I don't know.

[Hagar]

I would play safe and use the recommended chemical for this job. Oxalic acid comes in a powder form especially for marine use and is sold packaged as marine cleanser / rust stain remover . Just follow the instructions and try on a small area first. Have used it on my boat and was impressed .

Chris

[adamleah]

I have some oxcylic acid here that I used for cleaning the Mould out of the decking before I recoat it...

It is liquid form so might give it a go...

Fingers crossed....

While I am at it,...Does anyone have any reccommendations for glass polish... ie brand etc..

[banshee]

Any of the 3M marine polishes are extremly good but a bit pricey.

[SNELLY]

Adam,

I use the 3M Marine clean and shine - Quick to use keeps the water beading and stains off

Snelly