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Author Topic:   Summary of Gel Coat Cleaners

pcrussell50 posted 04-24-2010 05:46 PM ET (US)
Ok, from various sources, including at least one outside of [unknown acronym], I present what I _think_ is a basic rundown for cleaning the gelocat finish of our classic Whalers. Please correct as required.
(Note, this is not about refinishing oxidized gelcoat... just cleaning)
1) Comet, Ajax, Soft Scrub et al: I hear they clean well, but that the abrasives (even Soft Scrub), leave micro-scratches, which dull the finish over time, and cause it to stain easier. I _think_ the bleach they contain may be relatively harmless though.
2) degreasers, and other solvent-based cleaners: I hear these work well, too, but may have a deleterious or degrading effect on the gelcoat if used often or allowed to sit too long on the surface.
3) oxalic acid-based products: Least harm to the gelcoat, good for rust stains, but may not clean everything else. Thanks to our own Plotman for clarifying the difference between oxalic acid and muriatic.
-Peter
contender posted 04-24-2010 10:00 PM ET (US)
Pcrussell50: I was a fireman on Miami Beach, every year I had to worked the boat show at the convention hall on the beach. Almost every company was using acetone to clean their boats before the show. I know they were brand new boats but over the years I must have appopriated over 200 gallons of acetone from the boat shows, (Fire Hazard, I was The Fire Inspector).
My Friend was a roofer he always had tar on his shoes, car, trucks and boats. We use to use Kerosene and it would take the tar right off. Did not hurt the paint/gelcoat and would leave a shine.
I agree with you all of the things you have listed in your 1st statement will scratch the surface and take the shine away. The best thing I have found is clean it good with soap and water, dry it, and put wax on it, and keep it waxed. I really think that is the key, Also keep it covered, the worse thing for the gelcoat is the sun...Take care

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Author	Topic: Summary of Gel Coat Cleaners
pcrussell50	posted 04-24-2010 05:46 PM ET (US) Ok, from various sources, including at least one outside of [unknown acronym], I present what I _think_ is a basic rundown for cleaning the gelocat finish of our classic Whalers. Please correct as required. (Note, this is not about refinishing oxidized gelcoat... just cleaning) 1) Comet, Ajax, Soft Scrub et al: I hear they clean well, but that the abrasives (even Soft Scrub), leave micro-scratches, which dull the finish over time, and cause it to stain easier. I _think_ the bleach they contain may be relatively harmless though. 2) degreasers, and other solvent-based cleaners: I hear these work well, too, but may have a deleterious or degrading effect on the gelcoat if used often or allowed to sit too long on the surface. 3) oxalic acid-based products: Least harm to the gelcoat, good for rust stains, but may not clean everything else. Thanks to our own Plotman for clarifying the difference between oxalic acid and muriatic. -Peter
contender	posted 04-24-2010 10:00 PM ET (US) Pcrussell50: I was a fireman on Miami Beach, every year I had to worked the boat show at the convention hall on the beach. Almost every company was using acetone to clean their boats before the show. I know they were brand new boats but over the years I must have appopriated over 200 gallons of acetone from the boat shows, (Fire Hazard, I was The Fire Inspector). My Friend was a roofer he always had tar on his shoes, car, trucks and boats. We use to use Kerosene and it would take the tar right off. Did not hurt the paint/gelcoat and would leave a shine. I agree with you all of the things you have listed in your 1st statement will scratch the surface and take the shine away. The best thing I have found is clean it good with soap and water, dry it, and put wax on it, and keep it waxed. I really think that is the key, Also keep it covered, the worse thing for the gelcoat is the sun...Take care