Rust stains on gel coat & non-skid

[Vic Suben]

I have a 1987 Catalina 34.  I was cleaning the teak handrails with steel wool, and stupidly did not clean up ALL  the steel shavings.  Needless to say, with the next rain, the steel shavings rusted.

No I am faced with getting rid of the rust stains.  Please let me have some suggestions on methods to get rid of the rust stains.

Thanks for your help.

Vic Suben
C34  Hull no. 453
Surprise

[Stu Jackson]

FSR

[Jon W]

Agree with Stu's suggestion. Look it up as Davis Instruments FSR. FSR stands for Fiberglass Stain Remover

[KWKloeber]

You could try CLR.
Or oxalic acid (paint Dept) which I THINK is the base of the FSR gel.

[Jim Hardesty]

Or my favorite "Bar Keepers Friend"  I like the original powder.  For rust I make a paste and let sit a bit.
www.barkeepersfriend.com

Jim

[scgunner]

Vic,

I'm also on the FSR train or lemon juice also works quite well.

[Mick Laver]

A "4th" for FSR. The stuff is magic.

[captran]

I'm not on my boat yet so would need to check for sure the manufacturer of what I think is called On Off.  it is for fiberglass rust stains.  put it on for a very short period of time and wash it off, as it is very strong.  I bought it many years ago and have used it sparingly for rust spots that don't respond to FSR.

[Stu Jackson]

>>>>>>
is called On Off.  it is for fiberglass rust stains.  put it on for a very short period of time and wash it off, as it is very strong.  I bought it many years ago and have used it sparingly for rust spots that don't respond to FSR.

It IS VERY strong.  I used some once, and immediately threw the rest away.  It is too dangerous to use.

Just leave the FSR on longer, or do multiple applications.

[Noah]

I had never heard of "On/Off" before so I looked it up. Apparently it is pretty dang strong! West Marine sells it but you can't buy it online in CA. Here is a review from a user on West Marine's website:

"It WORKS. It's DANGEROUS".
"I used it on a brand new boat that sat in the water for over a month due to Covid 19. This stuff clears off, slime growth.. you name it. However, It is dangerous. I did the underside while on a floaty I used Full armed gloves, eye protection and mask. It rolled down my arm and melted my skin off. I have zero epidermis in 2x2" area on my arm. Need plastic surgery to repair by skin graft. Watch Breaking Bad and how this stuff can dispose of bodies. Be very careful. Boat is sparkling clean so it's hard to argue with its effectiveness. My brand new $700k boat is like new again."

OUCH!

[Ron Hill]

Vic : Oxalic acid does the trick - either Bar Keepers Friend (cheaper and in the grocery store) or Fiberglass Stain Remover (Marine store and more expensive)   Your choice!! 

A thought

[Bobg]

I did the same thing with sos pads, never again,  or if you leave a wrench or any metal on the deck for any length of time and get that rust spot, get "wink" comes in a brown bottle , walmart or wherever, amazing stuff, rust disappears before your eyes