Andrew Pace
Rust stains are a common problem for boats, especially those made of fiberglass, which is prone to staining. While fiberglass is a strong and lightweight material, it often requires special cleaning agents to remove rust stains. In this article, we will explore the different methods and products available to clean rust off a fiberglass boat, as well as preventative measures to keep your boat looking its best.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cleaning Rust off a Fiberglass Boat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials/Products Used | Baking Soda, Soft Nylon Brush, Clean Wet Sponge, CLR Brands Products, Vinegar, Boat Clean Plus, Boat Scrub, Waterline Stain Remover, FSR Fiberglass Stain Remover, Rust-Off, Collinite Metal Wax, Coke, Phosphoric Acid, Wood Bleach, Oxalic Acid, Snow Bowl, 3M Cleaner Wax, SLX, Polyethylene, Polyester, Nylon |
| Preparation | Remove hardware from the deck, wash the deck with soap and water |
| Cleaning Process | Spread baking soda over stains, scrub baking soda into stains with a soft brush, leave baking soda paste on stains for an hour, rinse with a wet sponge, use a special type of cleaner that contains acid and a chelating agent, apply cleaning agent and lightly wipe off and wash away remnants, repeat if necessary, wash the deck to remove any remaining cleaning agent, wipe surfaces dry immediately after use |
| Preventative Measures | Protect the deck with a protectant that seals all pores and provides a protective coating, use stainless steel instead of regular steel |
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What You'll Learn
Use a rust remover with phosphoric or oxalic acid
Rust removers with phosphoric or oxalic acid are effective in removing rust stains from fiberglass boats. These acids are widely available and cost-efficient, commonly used as household cleaning products. They are safe for use on boats and will not damage the fiberglass.
Phosphoric acid is used to keep rust stains off cruise ship hulls and is used by the US Navy in gel form (Naval Jelly). Coca-Cola, which contains phosphoric acid, can be used in a hurry. Oxalic acid is a popular choice for sailors and is available in powder form from hardware and marine-supply outlets. It can be purchased on eBay and is safe for use at home and on boats. It is also an excellent deck brightener, removing dirt, grime, tannin, fungi, and rust stains.
When using a rust remover with phosphoric or oxalic acid, follow the instructions on the product and take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing gloves. Apply the product to the affected area with a sponge and leave it on for a few minutes to allow it to work. Then, rinse the area with water and wipe it clean.
It is important to note that while oxalic acid is effective in removing rust stains, it leaves the surface unprotected and prone to fast re-rusting. To inhibit the rate of re-staining, consider using a product with citric acid, such as "Spotless Stainless," which is specifically designed to restore rust-tarnished stainless steel and remove gel coat rust stains.
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Try a baking soda paste
Rust stains on a fiberglass boat can be a stubborn problem. The longer you leave them, the more difficult they are to remove. The best way to deal with rust stains is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Rust stains can start at the base of steel hardware, so it's a good idea to remove the hardware, clean it, treat it to prevent rust, and then reinstall it.
If you're looking for a gentle, non-corrosive way to remove rust stains from your fiberglass boat, try a baking soda paste. First, wash the deck with soap and water. Then, take some baking soda and dust a generous layer over the rust stains. Next, take a soft nylon bristle brush, dip it in some water, and gently dab the powder around the stains. The water and powder should form a thick paste that covers the entire stain. Leave the paste to work for about an hour, then rinse away the residue with a bucket of water. You should now have clean fiberglass underneath.
If the baking soda paste method doesn't work, you could try a stronger commercial rust remover. These products usually contain an acid that dissolves the rust and a chelating agent that holds the rust in suspension until it is washed away. For example, you could try Davis FSR, Whink, or Starbrite. You could also try a toilet bowl cleaner like The Works or SnoBowl, but be very careful with these products, as they can damage your boat if used incorrectly.
Another option is to use acetone, but this is a powerful substance that can damage your boat if used improperly. If you do use acetone, make sure you're in a well-ventilated area, as it can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Gently rub the stains with a white rag soaked in acetone, then rinse away any residue. Once the stains are gone, protect your fiberglass boat with a spray-on protectant.
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Wash the deck with soap and water
Before attempting to clean rust off a fibreglass boat, it is important to understand the technicalities of the process. Steel boats were once popular, but boat owners soon discovered their fatal flaw: rust. That's why fibreglass, which is durable, lightweight, and long-lasting, has become a popular choice for smaller vessels. However, fibreglass boats can still develop rust stains, usually at the base of deck-mounted hardware.
To clean rust off a fibreglass boat deck, you will first need to wash the deck with soap and water. This will not remove the rust stain, but it will give you a clean deck to work from. It is important to use mild soap and, if possible, distilled water to prevent water stains caused by the minerals in tap water. Once you have cleaned the deck, you can move on to treating the rust stain.
There are many different compounds that claim to remove rust stains from fibreglass. Some sources recommend using a toilet bowl cleaner like "The Works" or SnoBowl, which contains hydrochloric acid. However, it is important to be careful with these types of cleaners, as they can damage the fibreglass if left on for too long. Other recommended products include FSR Fiberglass Stain Remover, Rust-Off, Collinite Metal Wax, and Iron-Out.
Some rust removers contain phosphoric acid, while others use oxalic acid, such as Barkeepers Friend. You can also buy wood bleach (oxalic acid) and mix your own diluted solution. Whichever product you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear gloves to protect your hands.
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![[1 Galllon] Instant Boat Hull Cleaner - Made in USA - Powerful Dual Acid Formula Easily Removes Scum Lines, Rust Stains, Hard Waterlines, & More from Fiberglass, Gelcoat & Painted Boat Surfaces](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zvQLQ7Q3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Apply a fiberglass stain remover
To effectively remove rust stains from a fibreglass boat, you will need to use a special type of cleaning agent that contains acid and a chelating agent. These rust removers work in two steps: the acid dissolves the rust, and the chelating agent holds the rust in suspension until it is washed away.
FSR Fiberglass Stain Remover is a recommended product for this purpose. It comes in a tub and has a unique appearance, resembling blue snot. This product is particularly good as it will not burn your skin like On/Off, and it is not as harmful if it comes into contact with your trailer.
Another option is to use a product that contains phosphoric acid, such as Coke, or oxalic acid, such as Barkeepers Friend. You can also buy wood bleach (oxalic acid) and mix a very dilute solution to use on the boat. This is a much cheaper option than ready-mixed products. When using these chemical products, it is important to wear gloves and rinse the area with water after application.
For a more natural approach, you can try using baking soda. First, dampen the rust stains with water. Spread a layer of baking soda over them and then wet a soft nylon brush with water. Gently scrub the baking soda into the rust stains. The water should combine with the baking soda to form a paste. If it doesn't, add more water. Leave the paste on the rust stains for one hour and then rinse it off with a clean, wet sponge.
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Remove and replace hardware
When removing and replacing hardware on a fibreglass boat, it is important to remember that fibreglass is a great material for boating because it is cheap, strong, and lightweight. However, one of its disadvantages is that it stains relatively easily, and rust is the key culprit. Rust stains are usually evident at the base of all deck-mounted hardware.
To remove and replace hardware, start by assessing the damage. Determine whether the damage is structural or cosmetic, and the extent of the damage. If there is impact damage, there will almost always be associated delamination. Tap the impact area with the end of a plastic screwdriver handle to determine the extent of the damage; solid laminate sounds sharp, while delamination sounds dull.
Next, you will need to cut out the damaged area. Make a circular or oval cut to remove the damaged fibreglass. Remember, never try to save damaged fibreglass; always cut it out and replace it with new laminate. Check all the edges and enlarge the hole if you find any additional delamination. If the damage is small and above the waterline, it is recommended to make the repair from inside the hull. This way, you will have less surface area to refinish. Before grinding, always wash the area around the hole thoroughly with a dewaxing solvent to remove any traces of mould release or wax surfactant that may weaken the bond.
After cutting out the damaged area, you will need to prepare the surface for the new fibreglass. Bevel the edge of the hole with a chamfer, following the recommended ratio for the diameter of the hole and the thickness of the hull. Then, cut the fibreglass fabric to fit the hole, starting with two layers of mat and alternating with cloth. The number of laminates will depend on the thickness of the hull. Apply the new fabric with the largest piece first, followed by progressively smaller pieces, to maximize the area of the secondary bond.
Finally, reinstall all the hardware that was removed, such as steering components, electronics, and the outboard motor bracket. Apply marine sealants to prevent corrosion of bolts and mounts over time. Allow adequate cure times and ensure that all hardware is solidly re-mounted.
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Frequently asked questions
Rust is a common issue with fiberglass boats because fiberglass is prone to staining and rust usually forms at the base of deck-mounted hardware.
You can use a special type of cleaner that contains acid and a chelating agent. Some recommended products include Boat Clean Plus, Boat Scrub, Waterline Stain Remover, FSR Fiberglass Stain Remover, Rust-Off, Barkeepers Friend, Sno-Bowl, and collinite metal wax.
You can make a paste using baking soda and water and gently scrub it into the rust stains with a soft nylon brush. Leave the paste on for about an hour, then rinse it off with a wet sponge.
First, remove all the hardware from the deck and clean the deck with soap and water. Then, apply the cleaning agent to the rust stains and let it sit for the recommended amount of time before rinsing it off. Finally, wash the deck again to remove any remnants of the cleaning agent.
After cleaning and rinsing the deck, remember to wipe the surfaces dry immediately. You can also apply a protectant that seals all the pores and provides a protective coating to prevent future staining.
