Helena Frye
Yellowing on a fibreglass boat is a common problem, especially on the hull, and can be caused by salt water or leaving the boat in the water for long periods of time. There are a variety of ways to remove the yellowing, including using a hull cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, or a combination of boat cleaning products. Some people recommend using a strong acid, such as oxalic acid, to remove the stain, while others suggest a more gentle approach with a 50/50 solution of Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub. Once the yellowing is removed, it's important to protect the boat with a product like Premium Boat Shine to prevent future yellowing and staining.
Removing Yellowing from Fiberglass Boats
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Waxing, Clear coating |
| Removal products | FSR (Fiberglass Stain Remover), Boat Clean Plus, Boat Scrub, Hull Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Soft Scrub, Polishing Compound, Simply Green, On/Off GEL, Oxalic Acid, Rain X, Sno Bowl, Spray Nine |
| Removal methods | Wash with a soft cloth, Wet sanding, Use of a Marine Power Mitt |
| Post-removal protection | Premium Boat Shine, Leverage |
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What You'll Learn
Use a 50/50 solution of Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub
To remove yellowing from a fiberglass boat, a 50/50 solution of Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub is recommended by boat manufacturers. This solution is ideal for removing yellowing caused by the use of carnauba wax.
Firstly, wash the boat with a 1:10 solution of Boat Clean Plus and water. This will remove any surface-level dirt and grime. Next, use a soft cloth and the 50/50 solution of Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub to tackle the yellowing. Rub the solution onto the boat's surface until the stain is removed and the original colour is restored. You can use a Marine Power Mitt to reduce the amount of manual labour and time required.
Boat Scrub is a highly effective product for removing deep-set stains from fiberglass. It contains Hypexine, a leaching agent that lifts stains to the surface, making them easier to remove. It also has surface-active ingredients to lift away dirt and soil, and brighteners to enhance the colour. It is important to note that Boat Scrub may cause skin and eye irritation, so it is recommended to take the necessary precautions when using this product.
If the 50/50 solution does not completely remove the yellowing, there are alternative methods you can try. One option is to wet sand the surface, followed by a rubbing compound to remove scratches and restore shine. However, this method is more extreme as it involves removing several layers of gelcoat, making the boat more susceptible to environmental damage. Another option is to use a different type of cleaner, such as hull cleaner, diluted with water, which can be sprayed or brushed onto the hull.
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Wet sand the surface, then use a rubbing compound
To remove yellowing from a fiberglass boat, you can wet sand the surface and then use a rubbing compound. This process will help restore the shine and original colour of the boat. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Boat
Remove all peripheral hardware, such as cleats, handrails, lights, windshields, and decals. This will make the job easier and provide fewer obstructions when using a buffer. Wash the boat with a solution of warm water and detergent, and remove any tar, bugs, or other debris from the surface.
Step 2: Wet Sanding
Start with 1200-grit wet sandpaper and sand the entire area that needs to be treated. Rinse the sanded area with water, and repeat this process with 1500-grit, and then 2000-grit sandpaper. Be careful not to sand too hard in one spot to avoid breaking through the gel coat. When you're finished, wash the boat again to remove any particles.
Step 3: Apply Rubbing Compound
Using a high-speed buffer with a white pad, apply a small amount of rubbing compound to the sanded area. Move the buffer slowly over the surface, being careful not to keep it in one spot for too long to avoid burning the gel coat. The rubbing compound will help to remove scratches and restore the shine to the fiberglass.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once you've finished compounding, wash off the compound and dry the boat thoroughly.
Step 5: Optional Glazing (for a High Gloss Finish)
If you desire an even higher gloss finish, you can use a black pad on your high-speed buffer with a glazing compound to apply a high gloss glaze coat.
It is important to note that wet sanding and using a rubbing compound are labour-intensive processes. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully to achieve the best results. Additionally, make sure to select a rubbing compound formulated for fiberglass and always protect your boat with a synthetic sealant after restoring the colour and shine to prevent future yellowing.
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Try a hull cleaner or toilet bowl cleaner
If you want to remove yellowing from your fiberglass boat, you can try a hull cleaner or a toilet bowl cleaner. Hull cleaners are designed to remove scum and algae from the bottom of your boat. They are a safe option for cleaning your boat hull and are available at a range of price points. For example, the hull cleaner from West Marine can be sprayed on, brushed, and then rinsed off.
Toilet bowl cleaners are another option for cleaning your boat hull. While they are not designed for this purpose, they can be effective at removing yellowing. It is important to note that improper use of toilet bowl cleaners may harm the hull of your boat or cause discoloration. When using a toilet bowl cleaner, be sure to wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves and goggles, to protect yourself from the acid in the cleaner. You can spray or brush on the cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it off. Be sure to rinse and dry your boat thoroughly to prevent water spots.
There are several specific hull and toilet bowl cleaners that you can use. For example, Star-Brite Eazy Off Bottom Boat Cleaner is an acid-based cleaner designed for cleaning boat hulls and is safe for use on fiberglass. It has received positive reviews from customers. Another option is the Zing Boat Hull Cleaner, which is also safe for use on fiberglass and has received four stars on Amazon. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can try a dollar store toilet bowl cleaner like "The Works", which has also been found to be effective in cleaning boat hulls.
In addition to these options, you can also try using oxalic acid, which is the main ingredient in most toilet bowl cleaners. You can buy oxalic acid on Amazon or eBay and dilute it with water before spraying it on and brushing it onto your boat hull. This method has been found to be effective in removing brown stains from the gel coat.
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Use a product like FSR (Fiberglass Stain Remover)
One highly recommended product for removing yellowing from a fiberglass boat is FSR (Fiberglass Stain Remover). FSR is a unique gel product that can be applied with a brush, sponge, or cloth. It is designed to remove stains from fiberglass and is also suitable for use on shower stalls, furniture, and other surfaces.
To use FSR, simply apply the gel to the stained area of your boat and wait a few minutes. Then, wipe off the product or rinse it off with water. For more stubborn stains, you can try agitating the area with FSR using a Q-tip, sponge, or cloth, and then reapplying the product and waiting a little longer before wiping or rinsing. This process may need to be repeated several times for tough stains.
FSR is particularly effective at removing rust stains, scum, and minor rust spots. It can also be used to remove other types of stains, such as oil, gas, rubber marks, and yellow water stains, although its effectiveness may vary.
When using FSR, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions. It is always a good idea to test the product on a small area of your boat first to ensure it does not cause any damage. Additionally, make sure the area you are working in is well-ventilated, and wear gloves and eye protection to avoid any irritation or injury.
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Apply a synthetic polish like Premium Boat Shine
To remove yellowing from a fiberglass boat, you can apply a synthetic polish like Premium Boat Shine. Premium Boat Shine is a polymer coating that can be used on fibreglass, aluminium, painted surfaces, chrome, stainless steel, brass, and bronze. It is designed to protect boats from chalking, fading, and staining, and it can also be used to restore the colour and shine of a boat's gelcoat.
Before applying Premium Boat Shine, it is important to clean the boat thoroughly. Use a boat cleaner, such as Boat Clean Plus, to remove any dirt, grime, oil, and pollutants from the surface. If the boat is chalky, oxidized, faded, scuffed, or stained, you may need to use a more heavy-duty cleaner, such as Boat Scrub, to restore the surface. It is important to let the boat dry completely before applying Premium Boat Shine.
When applying Premium Boat Shine, work in small sections, especially if you are working in direct sunlight, as the product will dry quickly. Use a damp sponge to apply the product to the surface of the boat, and then let it dry to a haze. Finally, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess product and buff the surface to a shine.
For best results, two coats of Premium Boat Shine are recommended. Be sure to allow at least 24 hours between coats to ensure thorough curing. Premium Boat Shine is self-polishing, so you won't need to worry about buffing the boat to a shine. The product is designed to provide a brilliant shine with no buffing required.
In addition to providing a brilliant shine, Premium Boat Shine also offers long-lasting protection for your boat. The synthetic formula bonds to the surface of the boat, creating a diamond-hard, anti-static finish that repels dirt and reduces black streaks. The UV inhibitors in the formula also help to protect against sun damage, ensuring that your boat's finish will last for a full season.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to remove yellowing from a fibreglass boat. One method is to use a 50/50 solution of Boat Clean Plus and Boat Scrub. Wash the boat with a 1:10 solution of Boat Clean Plus and water first, then use a soft cloth and the 50/50 solution to rub away the stain.
To prevent yellowing, avoid using Carnauba Wax-based products. Instead, opt for synthetic products like Premium Boat Shine to protect your boat and restore its shine.
Yes, some people recommend using household products like toilet bowl cleaner, oxalic acid, or FSR (Fiberglass Stain Remover) to remove yellow stains from fibreglass. However, always exercise caution when handling chemicals, and be sure to read the instructions and take necessary safety precautions.
