Make it shine.

[Donald Tyson]

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.

[Donald Tyson]

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.

[alainP]

Donald, research "Barrier coat" and proper preparation of surface before you apply Bottom paint.

[ssobol]

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.

[Donald Tyson]

Yes to both of you. Thanks

[Pacificcoast101]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEGolbLmAYo

[Donald Tyson]

Thanks Phil, I had just found that video and I'm ordering the Starbrite product.

[thataway]

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.

[Pacificcoast101]

[Schuster]

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".

[ssobol]

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.

[Foggy]

[Donald Tyson]

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."

[Pacificcoast101]

Starbrite also contains oxalic acid.

[thataway]

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: