Rust stains on fiberglass

[Beefer]

It seems that the PO of my boat replaced the vent louvers, and may not have used quality SS screws. The heads are rusting, and leaving a rust stain. How do I clean the stain off? I'm changing the screws out tomorrow with SS, but the stain looks terrible. Any ideas?

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

At West Marine buy On/Off works very well. Actually, any oxalic acid will work. Use rubber or latex gloves. Rust will be gone in a few seconds...

Rinse off with plain water

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

Attwood Hull Cleaner. Ten deer at WallyWorld.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

CLR and a Mister Clean magic eraser

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

I would try simple polishing compound as a first choice then move on to the other chemicals if needed.

Yes, that magic eraser is a great item to have on hand.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

Sno-bol toilet cleaner works for me.
Takes off the rust and doesn't harm the gelcoat...cheaply too I might add.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

If it's just a stain on the surface, a cleaner wax may take it right off. I'd start out mild, and work your way up. No sense harming the finish if you don't need to.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

My 2nd on the Oxalic Acid, great for stain removal on wood, ceramic, fiberglass,etc. We've used it to remove water stains from old wood floors, stains on our 1940 Ford "Woody" station wagon....good stuff!

 

[Adjuster]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

Publix sells a product called 'Rust Away'. Works instantly on rust stains. It is as mentioned above oxycalic(sp) acid.

 

[642mx]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

FSR... West Marine has it (not sure about iboats). Brush it on and wipe it off, or rinse it off. They sell 2 sizes, the small container was enough to do the whole hull on my 22 footer.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

Had to go to Walgreen's tonight, and picked up the Magic Eraser. Never used 'em before, and Wow! I feel like I just discovered sliced bread! The stains came off with little to no effort, and the gel looks great! Can't believe I never tried these before. Tomorrow I'm going to clean any and all stains I can find!

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

Just remember that Magic Eraser is still an abrasive.
And it will thus remove more than stains if used excessively.

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

hmm, so many choices, I have the same issue in that the previous owner of my boat used carbon steel washers on the ladder off the swim platform(fiberglass), I've tried scrubing it with spray nine, now guess i'll look at these suggestions

 

[81 beachcomber]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

Sno-bol toilet cleaner works for me.
Takes off the rust and doesn't harm the gelcoat...cheaply too I might add.

second on the toilet bowl cleaner

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

Magic Eraser is good stuff!

I also tried them this year for the first time.... Now I keep them on the boat at all times...

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Rust stains on fiberglass

Also, I always use StarBrite Hull Cleaner. Spray it on...wait 2-3 minutes...rinse it off.