Polishing Hull: Steps and Materials??

I think these are what he means. It's what I used.

quinner wrote: Along similar lines, the transom below the waterline on the Martini is really yellow (white hull), is there anything you guy's would suggest to perhaps clean it or brighten it before doing any more sanding?? Sanding done so far has not taken any of that yellowing out??

It should have CG. Nothing should brighten up the hull better than physically removing layers of oxidation and gel.. What grit did you try? Might have to more coarse, or continue to wet sand. You should see a difference...

Believe it's just staining, this would be the area below the swim deck. Used some toilet bowl cleaner on all the yellow area's. Made very little difference in this area however. Anything else that might work, like bleach or something along those lines that is safe for the Gel??

quinner wrote: Along similar lines, the transom below the waterline on the Martini is really yellow (white hull), is there anything you guy's would suggest to perhaps clean it or brighten it before doing any more sanding?? Sanding done so far has not taken any of that yellowing out??

Yellowing is pretty normal for a boat in fresh water. If there is no anti-fouling paint on the hull, I use Muriatic acid to clean it. There are specific acid products for hull cleaning, they all do the same. Check for the concentration, this should be as high as possible for a quick result. Spray it on, brush it a bit and spray it off after a while. Make sure you are protected and that you are in a well ventilated area. After drying, I rub one layer of protection & sealer wax on the hull.

Sanding is a no-go for a yellow/brownish hull, the colour has penetrated into the gel coat and sanding it off will reduce gel coat that is perfectly fine.

Gary S wrote: I think these are what he means. It's what I used.

Yes these are the ones to use!

I use the works tub and shower cleaner. The price is right too!
I get it a dollar general.     Monty

The works dollar store toilet bowl cleaner is exactly what was used, is it possible this stuff could blister the gel??

OK I wanna make sure I am clear on what to purchase to de-yellow my hull. I have seen several sugestions. We are starting this cleaning process on Saturday so I need to know what to buy.

1) on/off will take it off. - Is this easy off oven cleaner?
2) muriatic acid based - Is there a specific product this acid is in?
3) the works tub and shower cleaner - The blister comment concerns me! Also will it de-yellow a 25 year old hull.

On/Off

tbeard wrote: 1) on/off will take it off. - Is this easy off oven cleaner? 2) muriatic acid based - Is there a specific product this acid is in? 3) the works tub and shower cleaner - The blister comment concerns me! Also will it de-yellow a 25 year old hull.

I've always used straight muriatic acid. Never harms the gel, just have to be really aware using it in well ventalated areas. Can be purchased at any hardware store..

quinner wrote: Does anyone know for sure if the works or muriatic are safe on the gel?

Been used many times, as said above.

Hey guys, just curious, what is the procedure with the muratic acid? How do you apply, do you let it sit for a while, scrub? I would like to try this this winter and would like to know the correct steps. Thanks

Mark

levinmark wrote: Hey guys, just curious, what is the procedure with the muratic acid? How do you apply, do you let it sit for a while, scrub? I would like to try this this winter and would like to know the correct steps. Thanks Mark

Mark,
Probably not a good idea to use the acid unless you have a lot of water to neutralize it. I spray it on, brush it for a few seconds and rinse it off.. You can't use it indoors, as the fumes will burn your nose and throat.. Outside in the driveway, no problem.. I've also poured it straight from the bottle onto a rag, then placed it over a long RV type washing broom and scrubed the hull that way. Use rubber gloves and just make sure you rinse everything that is comes into contact with.. Work from bottom to top to make sure this stuff doesn't drip on you..

Sounds bad, I know, but nothing in my opinion will clean/strip a hull faster and more effective. Just have to use it wisely and it does a great job... Wax after it dries and you're ready to go..

No, it won't get rid of a chalked up, oxidized surface, but lake scum, stains, etc. it does wonders on...

Moj'

For using M acid we usually use a paint roller and cheap plastic paint roller tray. Use an extension handle or broom stick. You can roll sideways from the chines down over the strakes to the bilge line pretty easy. let sit and hose off.