Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Mike and Joanne Stimmler on August 14, 2006, 08:12:17 AM

Title: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Mike and Joanne Stimmler on August 14, 2006, 08:12:17 AM
Anyone know of a easy way to renove rust stains from fiberglass? I think one of my helpers used a steel wool pad for cleaning something in the cockpit last week and this weekend I have little rust freckles all over the place. I have reduced some of the stains with Simple green but not eliminated.
I've heard that oxalic acid works but am hoping for a simpler solution. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Mike
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Stu Jackson on August 14, 2006, 08:50:40 AM
FSR, fiberglass stain remover, made by both Davis and West Marine.  It's a blue gel.  We also use it to remvoe the bow "moustache" before rewaxing the forward section of the hull.
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Ken Juul on August 14, 2006, 09:49:43 AM
Lemon juice might work.  I use it to disolve the mustache.  Bought a pint, put a spray head on it, works great!
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Steve S. on August 14, 2006, 01:44:39 PM
The best I've found is CLR which you get at any home depot or hardware store. (Remember the old info-mercials.)  FSR works too but is 3x the price.
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Joe Kern on August 14, 2006, 01:52:41 PM
Ken - After you use it to dissolve the ICW mustache do you have to rewax?

Joe
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Stu Jackson on August 14, 2006, 01:54:16 PM
Yes.  Or, wait'll it grows back and redo it over again! :shock:
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Ron Hill on August 14, 2006, 02:30:54 PM
Mike : Stu's correct on the FSR as it has oxalic acid in it. 
You can also get a dry powered cleanser called "Bar Keepers Friend" in the grocery store.  It also has oxalic acid and really works great.  I've found it to be better on deck stains than FSR.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Mike and Joanne Stimmler on August 14, 2006, 04:55:21 PM
Thanks Everyone, I'll give them a try.
Mike
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: dave davis on August 19, 2006, 10:18:11 AM
One more input for cleaning off Rust Stains. There was a good article in Practical Sailor In the May 06 issue page 30. It concludes with the recommendation of Star Brite rust/stain remover and also recommends FSR.
Good luck, dave
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Doug on August 22, 2006, 09:13:36 PM
2nd Bar Keepers Friend.
It's cheap, easy, and easy to get.
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: ohana34 on August 23, 2006, 11:23:43 AM
One word "Wink"
if you can find it works every time
Jim
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: ohana34 on August 30, 2006, 07:46:41 AM
Spelled Whink. We use it in the boat yard all the time, NOTHING works better.
Usually get it at Ace hardware.
Jim
Title: Re: Rust stains on fiberglass
Post by: Mike and Joanne Stimmler on August 30, 2006, 07:57:47 AM
We decided to try the FSR since it is a gell thinking the powder cleanser type cleaners would be abraisive. The gell worked so well that we did the whole deck with it and it now sparkles and it did a great job on the rust. BTW my helper who used the steel wool should be out of the hospital any day now  :D
Thanks,
Mike