I am in the process of cleaning the filter and replacing rubber gaskets in the raw water through hull fitting and wanted to ask what is the easiest way of getting rid of that green stuff on the through hull fittings and would priming and paining them with Rust Oleum paint be advisable and lasting protection from the oxidation that causes that green stuff?
Physical removal (wire brushing) of the green stuff is impractical so need something that would clean it chemically before priming and painting.
Any good advice and suggestion are welcome.
Welcome to the Hatteras Owners Forum & Gallery. Sign Up or Login
+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 5 of 5
-
09-20-2021 11:39 AM #1
Question on cleaning and painting brass through hull fittings
M/V BONAZZA
1980 Hatteras
37 Convertible
Hull# - 405
Twin DD 6-71NA
Vancouver, Canada
-
09-20-2021 01:12 PM #2Registered Member
- Join Date
- Dec 2009
- Posts
- 13
Re: Question on cleaning and painting brass through hull fittings
My two cents is not to use very harsh chemicals. Start with white vinegar and a stiff plastic brush. i.e. toilet bowl brush to reach. Acid would clean them but it will eat into the good metal. Vinegar is a mild acid and may take time but you shouldn't end up with a compromised fitting. Leaving it as it is may be the best. the green is not destroying the fitting it is the residue of the deteriorated metal and may actually protect the remaining metal.
Of course new fittings are safer but that's a entire different issue for you to deal with at haul out.
if you do a replacement at haul out see if you can reduce number of fittings by making the main ones larger ( sealing other ones) and splitting off flow.
-
09-20-2021 09:52 PM #3
Re: Question on cleaning and painting brass through hull fittings
i replaced a frozen 1.5 inch thru hull at last haul out, it was sitting on my work bench for about 6 months so i decided to soak it in vinegar and see what happens...it came back clean bronze, AND IT UN FROZE ITSELF. works great now.... i guess i have a spare now
Mis b' havin
1972 58 yachtfish
58yf352
pass christian, ms.
-
09-20-2021 10:51 PM #4
Re: Question on cleaning and painting brass through hull fittings
The oxidation layer that develops on the brass/bronze is actually better protection than any paint that you could put on it (ask any bronze statue that you see in the park if they haven't pulled them all down yet). Now if you are getting the powdery light green "bloom" on the metal, that might be an indication of a problem with your bonding system.
Last edited by Play'N Hooky Too; 09-20-2021 at 10:53 PM.
"The only thing that always works on an old boat is the owner" - Some Wise Guy
1976 46' Convertible
Old Fort Bayou
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
-
Re: Question on cleaning and painting brass through hull fittings
I have had good luck spraying clean bronze fittings wtih Corrosion-X- has to be renwed every now and again but they do stay much cleaner than they would with any other protectant I'e used.