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Spray suntan lotion can cause problems for boat owners, particularly those with fiberglass boats. The lotion can cause unsightly orange or brown stains on the boat's surfaces, which can be difficult to remove. The culprit is believed to be the chemical avobenzone, which reacts with iron particles in the water, leading to the appearance of rust-colored stains. Boat owners are advised to avoid aerosol sunscreens and opt for creams or lotions instead. Some recommended sunscreens for boat use include Blue Lizard Sensitive, Banana Boat mineral sunscreen, and Neutrogena sunscreen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spray suntan lotion | Can cause orange/brown stains on boats, especially on fiberglass and vinyl seating |
| Cause of stains | Chemical avobenzone in spray lotions reacts with iron particles in water and sweat |
| Remedy for stains | Exposure to direct sunlight, Bar Keepers Friend, oxalic acid/wood bleach, 3M Sharp Shooter, routine waxing |
| Recommended sunscreens | Blue Lizard Sensitive, Banana Boat mineral sunscreen, Neutrogena sunscreen, mineral options with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide |
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What You'll Learn
- Spray suntan lotion can cause orange stains on boats
- The chemical avobenzone in sunscreens reacts with iron in water, causing the stains
- The product in sunscreen that causes orange stains is ferrous oxide
- Some boat owners recommend using white sunblock to prevent staining
- Sunscreen stains can be removed with direct sunlight, caustic detergent, or oxalic acid
Spray suntan lotion can cause orange stains on boats
Spray suntan lotion can cause unsightly orange stains on boats, and it is a problem that many boat owners have experienced. The issue is not limited to a particular brand of lotion, and it can affect the gelcoat, fabric, and vinyl surfaces of a boat. While some boat owners have found success in removing these stains, it often requires a lot of effort and specialised products. Prevention is, therefore, the best strategy.
The active ingredient in sunscreen that causes orange stains is avobenzone, which reacts with iron in water to create rust. This is why some boat owners opt for sunscreen that does not contain avobenzone, such as Bullfrog Mosquito Coast, or make their own using shea butter, coconut oil, and zinc oxide. However, it is important to note that even the "quality sprays" from brands like Banana Boat and Copper Tone can still leave stains, albeit not orange ones.
Boat owners have different strategies for dealing with spray suntan lotion. Some ban sprays altogether, while others allow them but with strict rules, such as only applying them to the skin and not directly onto the boat. Some owners also recommend using towels as a barrier between the skin and the boat's surfaces.
To remove orange stains, boat owners have tried various methods with varying degrees of success. Some have had to resort to intensive procedures like power buffing and waxing the gelcoat. Others have found that exposure to direct sunlight for a month can help fade the stains. A product called Bar Keepers Friend has been recommended for removing stains from fiberglass, but it is not effective on vinyl. For gelcoat stains, a strong caustic detergent, followed by a wash with oxalic acid or wood bleach, can help "bleach out" the ferrous oxide. While some owners have had success with Winks Rust Stain Remover, it will strip wax from surfaces.
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The chemical avobenzone in sunscreens reacts with iron in water, causing the stains
Boat owners have reported issues with suntan lotion staining their boats, particularly the fiberglass and vinyl components. This issue is not limited to spray-on sunscreens, as some have speculated, as stains have also been observed with lotions.
The chemical avobenzone, found in many sunscreens, is the likely culprit behind these stains. Avobenzone is a widely used chemical ingredient in sunscreens that protects against cancer-causing ultraviolet A rays (UVA). When avobenzone comes into contact with water containing a high concentration of iron, it can cause discoloration, resulting in orange, rust-like stains. This occurs due to the oxidation of iron minerals in the water by avobenzone.
To prevent these stains, it is recommended to use avobenzone-free sunscreens or allow the sunscreen to fully dry before putting on clothes and rinsing off at the end of the day. Some boat owners suggest applying sunscreen before boarding the boat and avoiding sprays onboard. Additionally, choosing a white sunscreen over translucent or clear options may help reduce staining on the boat.
If stains do occur, they can be challenging to remove. Some suggested treatments include using a multi-surface cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend, or following a two-step pretreatment process. The first step involves using a liquid dish detergent to remove any oil, followed by a non-bleach stain remover. The garment is then washed in warm water with detergent and more stain remover. Alternatively, soaking the garment in an enzyme-breaking solution of water and an oxygen cleaner for 12 hours may help remove the stains.
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The product in sunscreen that causes orange stains is ferrous oxide
Suntan lotion can indeed stain the interiors of boats, especially the fiberglass and vinyl parts. While the exact product in sunscreen that causes orange stains is avobenzone, a chemical ingredient widely used in sunscreens to protect against cancer-causing ultraviolet A rays (UVA), it is not a type of ferrous oxide. Avobenzone can oxidize when mixed with iron-rich water, potentially causing orange discoloration on light-colored surfaces and fabrics. This is why some boat owners opt for physical or mineral-based sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium oxide to block UVA rays instead of avobenzone.
Avobenzone is an active ingredient in many sunscreens, and it is known to mix with water that has a high iron content. This combination causes oxidation, often leading to rust-colored stains. While these stains are typically oily and can be removed with a two-step pretreatment, they can be challenging to remove from various fabrics and compositions of sunscreens. Boat owners should also be aware that spray-on sunscreens are more likely to cause stains on boats, so some prohibit their use on board.
To prevent stains, some boat owners recommend applying sunscreen before boarding and only using it in corners where the wind will carry it away from the boat. Others suggest sitting on towels to minimize direct contact with boat surfaces. Additionally, some manufacturers offer sunscreen products with enhanced fabric protection features designed to minimize staining while still providing effective UV defense.
While it is important to take steps to prevent and remove stains, protecting oneself from sunburn and long-term damage is a higher priority. Sunscreen stains are a byproduct of using sun protection products, and understanding why they occur can help manage them. By selecting suitable stain-resistant sunscreens and allowing them to dry before dressing, one can minimize the chances of staining.
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Some boat owners recommend using white sunblock to prevent staining
Boat owners have observed that spray-on sunblocks are more likely to cause staining, as the product gets carried by the wind and ends up on various surfaces, including the deck, seats, and windows. In contrast, white sunblock, which is usually a "run-on" or "rub-in" cream, does not cause these issues.
To avoid staining, some boat owners request that their guests apply sunblock before boarding, or apply it in a specific area where the wind will carry any overspray away from the boat. Some owners also provide their own sunblock, ensuring it is a non-spray variety, to prevent staining.
In addition to choosing the right sunblock, there are other ways to protect a boat from stains. One method is to use a protective product like Island Girl or a wax such as Collinite wax, which fills in the pores of the gel coat, preventing it from absorbing oils and grease. Regular waxing can also help to keep the gel coat smooth and non-porous, reducing the likelihood of stains.
If stains do occur, they can be challenging to remove. Some owners have found that direct sunlight over several weeks will eventually fade the marks. Others have had success with specific products like FSR Fiberglas Stain Remover, acetone, or oxalic acid/wood bleach. However, some owners have tried various cleaning products and methods without success, indicating that preventing stains in the first place is crucial.
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Sunscreen stains can be removed with direct sunlight, caustic detergent, or oxalic acid
Sunscreen stains on boats are a common problem, especially with spray-on sunscreens. The product in sunscreen that causes orange staining is called abevozene, and it is used in many cheap sunscreens. While sunblock is great for the skin, it can cause unsightly stains on boats.
There are a few methods to remove sunscreen stains from boats, including:
Direct sunlight
Leaving the stained area exposed to direct sunlight for a month will cause the stain to fade. This method may also work with heavy rain.
Caustic detergent
A caustic detergent, such as Soft Scrub with bleach, can be used to remove sunscreen stains. It is important to use these products very lightly to avoid scratching the gelcoat.
Ammonia and detergent
Put on protective gloves and apply ammonia to a clean sponge. Gently rub the sponge over the stain. Repeat until the stain disappears. Then, use a clean sponge with mild detergent and soap to remove any remaining ammonia.
Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend is a product that can be used to remove sunscreen stains from fiberglass.
To prevent sunscreen stains, some boat owners recommend using sunscreen lotions instead of sprays. Sunscreen should be applied to the skin before boarding the boat, and towels should be used as a barrier between the skin and the boat's surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
No, spray suntan lotion should not be used on a fiberglass boat as it can cause orange or brown stains.
The staining is caused by a chemical reaction between avobenzone, a common ingredient in suntan lotions, and the iron particles found in water.
Yes, it is recommended to use a mineral-based sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These options are less likely to stain and are approved by the FDA.
There are a few potential solutions to remove stains from suntan lotion. One option is to use a strong caustic detergent followed by oxalic acid or wood bleach to remove the stains. Another option is to use a product like Bar Keepers Friend or 3M Sharp Shooter.
Yes, it is recommended to apply sunscreen before getting on the boat and to avoid sprays. If you need to use an aerosol sunscreen, go to the downwind area of the boat so that the spray is carried away from the boat.
