Make it shine.

D

Donald Tyson

Member
I’ve had the boat in the water four times since June. Nice boat. But it’s taking on a yellow patina from halfway down the white on the outside and down past the waterline. I’m thinking about using Maguire’s assortment of oxidation remover, polish and wax. It seems like a simple enough solution For use a couple times a year. I’m heavily invested in Ryobi tools and I figure I’ll just get the Ryobi random orbit polisher. I know we’ve talked about polishing and compounding before and I just wanted to go through this discussion again before I make a purchase. Critiques are welcome.
 
Actually I’m not sure that I need the buffer to get the gelcoat clean. I see there are a number of options for cleaning that are wipe on or brush on and off and may work in the case of this staining I see on the lower surfaces of the boat.
I want to apply bottom paint and wonder if that shouldn’t be done before the application of wax. Certainly there will be some errant swipes with the wax. Won’t that affect the longevity of the bottom paint adhesion.
 
Yellow patina is staining from tannic acid in the water.

Toilet bowl cleaner will take it off easily.

Toilet bowl cleaner will also take off any wax.
 
The active ingredient of all of these is an acid. Oxylic acid works very well. Use the crystals and make a satuated solution. You can get a lifetime supply for $20 at most paint and hardware stores.
 
Thanks for posting the cleaner comparison video. I had heard that toilet bowl cleaner works for removing stains on a hull but have never actually seen the results. The video pretty much seals the deal for Lysol and at about 25% of the cost of everything else out there 'I"M IN".
 
As pointed out in the video, you should leave the toilet bowl cleaner sit on the stain for awhile (depending on the amount of staining). Also, sometimes very heavy staining will require multiple applications.

Be sure to thoroughly rinse everything that is exposed to the toilet bowl cleaner.
 
The more I read the more I feel I can pay for the Starbrite product. This boat is far and away the most expensive thing I ever bought so I can't chance damaging it. The article below was from AI. It was supported by a number of vids.

"Yes, toilet bowl cleaner can significantly damage gelcoat and fiberglass because its harsh, corrosive chemicals are not designed for boat surfaces. These cleaners contain acids and other substances that can chemically burn, yellow, streak, and enlarge the pores of the gelcoat, making it more susceptible to staining and degradation over time. It is crucial to use only marine-specific cleaning products to clean and protect the gelcoat, as bathroom and kitchen cleaners can cause irreparable harm.

This video demonstrates how to clean a fiberglass boat hull using toilet bowl cleaner:

57s


Probly Not The Best Garage
YouTube · Jun 1, 2022
Why toilet bowl cleaner is harmful to gelcoat:
Corrosive Chemicals:
Toilet bowl cleaners often contain strong acids, like hydrochloric acid, that are intended to dissolve hard water stains in toilets.
Gelcoat Degradation:
These harsh chemicals can chemically etch, degrade, and break down the gelcoat and underlying fiberglass.
Discoloration and Streaking:
The corrosive action of these cleaners can cause yellowing, streaking, and graying of the gelcoat's finish.
Increased Porosity:
The etching process creates more porous surfaces, which trap dirt and make the gelcoat more prone to staining.
Environmental Hazard:
The chemicals can also be dangerous to the environment.
What to use instead:
Marine-Specific Cleaners: Always use cleaning products specifically designed for marine fiberglass and gelcoat, such as those from brands like Mary Kate On & Off or Star Brite.
Boat-Safe Degreasers and Soaps: Opt for boat-specific degreasers and soaps for general cleaning.
Proper Aftercare: After cleaning with any acid-based product, ensure thorough rinsing and consider using a polymer sealant to protect and shine the gelcoat."
 
If you want to know what the active ingredient is for a compound, look up the MSD (Material Safety Data) Sheet. For Starbrite Marine hull cleaner it is 11 pages. Here is the material:

TRADE NAME (AS LABELED): STARBRITE HULL CLEANER
PRODUCT #s: 81708, 81732BW, 81700N
SYNONYMS: Not Applicable
CHEMICAL NAME/CLASS: Oxalic Acid Solution
PRODUCT USE: Boat Hull Cleaning Compound
Click to expand...

You can pay Starbrite, or you can buy the ingredient in bulk and save considerabe dollars.

I don't agree with using various polymers to "seal the hull gel coat". Wax does this well, and can be removed if you want to paint or otherwise coat the boat. Some of those polymers are very difficult to remove, and will cause major problems if you do want to paint the boat down the line.

Even with the best of wax, sealants, or cermaic coating, the boat's gelcoat will still stain.
 
Bob you are so right. There was a time when I lived by MSDS sheets.
The big difference btwn the Starbrite Instant Hull Cleaner and Toilet Bowl Cleaner is the type of acid. Starbrite's form of acid, Cyanic and another which I forget, is less reactive than the toilet bowl cleaner, which is hydrochloric acid. From what I've read Hydrochloric acid has a mild tendency to etch gelcoat. Over a long time using the toilet bowl cleaner there might or might not be a visible difference and I'm not willing to take the chance. When using the Starbrite product there is that old familiar smell of the Sanitizer (powdered sulfuric acid) we used on the farm to wash the milkers and soak the vacuum hoses.

Anyway, Whichever you folks choose to use I am reporting that the Starbrite Instant Hull Cleaner worked as it said, quickly as well. It took about 1/4-1/3 of the bottle to wipe it on and hose it off from the bottom of the green strip on down to the bottom paint. And I've seen no damage to the bottom paint in areas that I was careless with the application.

I recommend this product. There is no need to amend the recomendations for use as the product works as intended.

I use Starbright washing wax. it work but does not last. I too don't care for the polymers. I prefer Carnauba wax.

Thanks for the comments and videos everyone.
 
The "industry standard" wax is Colinate paste Fleetwax 885. There are a number of major players, and some auto waxes--none compare to good dedicated marine products.

Some like to use one system: 3M, Smooth, Chemical Guys, Nautical one, Strake, Starbrite, and a few others. I have tried most all. My personal belief is that Colinate Paste wax lasts the longest of the prure wax products.
 
I have had good luck with the Star Brite deck cleaner which does not have oxalic acid in it. I also use a melamine scrubbing sponge that gets rid of stuff without impacting the gel coat (as far as I can see).

Here is Google AI's response to the question of "effect on oxalic acid on gel coat."

Oxalic acid generally does not harm gelcoat when used correctly as a cleaner for stains like rust, but it can cause damage to other materials like metals or unsealed trailers. For the best results and to avoid potential etching, use a dilute solution, apply it for the shortest necessary time, and rinse thoroughly after use, especially on non-white gelcoats where it could cause bleaching.

How Oxalic Acid Works on Gelcoat
Removes stains:
.
Oxalic acid's primary function is to chemically convert rust (iron oxide) into a water-soluble compound called iron oxalate, which can then be easily rinsed away.
Cleans other stains:
.
It can also lift other stubborn stains, such as tannin and fungi, from gelcoat surfaces.
Potential Risks and Precautions
Leaching from metal:
Prolonged exposure to oxalic acid can cause metals to leach metal ions into the solution.
Bleaching:
While generally safe on white gelcoats, oxalic acid can cause bleaching on colored gelcoats, so always test in an inconspicuous area first.
Dilution is key:
Always use a dilute solution.
Rinse thoroughly:
After cleaning, rinse the area with plenty of water to remove the acid and the dissolved stain.
Protect surrounding materials:
If cleaning your boat on a trailer, wet the trailer down and rinse it thoroughly to prevent the acid from landing on it and causing potential damage.
When to Use and What to Do
Use for rust and grime:
Use a dilute oxalic acid-based cleaner to remove rust stains, dirt, algae, and grime from your hull.
Test first:
Perform a small, inconspicuous test on colored gelcoats to check for any unwanted bleaching.
Rinse and re-wax:
After cleaning, rinse the area thoroughly and consider applying a coat of wax to protect the gelcoat.
Consider alternatives for color:
For colored hulls, a fine polishing compound followed by wax may be a gentler alternative to remove oxidation and minor stains.
 
Tom Hruby":1x7qz4xx said:
... I also use a melamine scrubbing sponge that gets rid of stuff without impacting the gel coat (as far as I can see). ...
Click to expand...

Melamine scrubbing sponges are the same as using very fine sandpaper.

Also, when used, they shed lots of microplastics.
 
Thanks Tom.
Very supportive article and as far as the dilution? I leave that to Starbrite. Furthermore. I will try the deck cleaner as well.

Ssobol,
I see your concern about micro plastics. But should I worry about micro Tee-Shirts for that is what I use....a folded tee holding lightly applied cleaner. No Scrubbing. Wash off in two minutes. Worked wonderful.
 
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