Now you see it, now you don't

[bobk]

I thought I'd share the results of cleaning my hull. Before and after pictures below.



I used three table spoons of oxalic acid (wood bleach) and a squirt of Dawn in a small bucket of water. Apply with a soft brush and a few seconds later the ICW mustache is gone.

By the way, before the previous trip up I had a coat of Awlcare applied by hand and it pretty much prevented the mustache. This time I had two coats applied and I suspect the contractor did it with a machine. It looked great, but the results were disappointing.

Bobk

 

[GJH]

Bob, I found Rejex to hold up a bit better than Awlcare. But you're right, a bad application can botch its effectiveness.

 

[Walter P]

Hi George,

What is Rejex and how do you apply it (hand or machine) and where do you buy it...

Thanks

Walt

 

[Finalee]

Wait a minute here. The before is Port and the after is Starboard. Looks great I have used oxalic acid on one much worse. Like magic!

 

[pmurphy]

I get that stain every time I go across the State of Florida via the Okeechobee. Using the toilet bowl cleaner Sno Bol does a great job but of course takes any wax off too. Sponge on, wait a minute or two and wipe/rinse off.

 

[bobk]

I get that stain every time I go across the State of Florida via the Okeechobee. Using the toilet bowl cleaner Sno Bol does a great job but of course takes any wax off too. Sponge on, wait a minute or two and wipe/rinse off.

Sno Bowl is a very strong inorganic acid. Not recommended for use on linear polyurethane paints. Oxalic is an organic acid and while stronger than vinegar I think much less damaging to the paint than Sno Bowl. Lemon juice works well too, but very slow so I like oxalic as a reasonable compromise.

And, yes they are different sides of the hull. I decided to take the picture to post after I cleaned one side. Thought I might help some folks with cheap solution.

Bobk