Stains...........

[Glenn Basore]

I have some dark stains on the cockpit deck of my Eclipse.

I had rain water and some leaves which left a mess, Soap and water didn't work so I tried "Davis FSR" with a stiff brush which did work better.

I still have some dark stains. I tried full strength Simple green with no results.

Could this be mold ?

I didn't spill anything on the deck so that's ruled out.

I'm thinking of trying some Acetone and a stiff brush.

Would a pressure washer work ? I don't have one and would have to buy one, which would be a good reasonably price one to buy?

Any suggestions

Glenn

[Craig Weis]

Likewise, stains from leaves are the hardest stains to get out. I posted the same question a few years ago and have had no advice that works, so my stains are still in place on my boat. I lightened them a little bit by using Chrome Polish with a cleaner in it. But not much. I can take a razorblade and peel the stains away but I only did that in the tiny unseen spot...I would not recommend that.
Like solvents dissolve like substances...so the question is what are these biological stains from leaves? Chlorophyll? So what dissolves chlorophyll?

skip.

[Salty19]

Try a Mr Clean Magic Eraser and the FSR (or barkeepers friend).  Scrub it in several directions.  Should take care of it.

[Bob23]

Glenn:
   I had the same problem this spring. I tried Spray 9 (Home Depot or WM), whitewall tire cleaner, rubbing compound, acetone, verbal threats,...all of which got 90% of the stains out. It seems that now she's been in the water and in the sun, the stains are gone. Wierd, huh. Usually Spray 9 takes any stain off of anything.
Bob23

[romei]

I was faced with a similar problem a few years back with the water stains that destroy the looks of a boat from sitting in a not-so-clean river for 6 months at a time.  Boat bottom cleaners like slimey grimey and all the rest only did a half assed job.  I researched all the best boat bottom cleaners and found a common ingredient in all of them.  Oxalic acid.  It can be purchased in a small tub in powder form.  It is also commonly used as a wood bleach.

Anyway,  I buy a tub of it for about $8 and mix it real good with a gallon of warm water.  I spray it on and after about 4 or 5 minutes hose it off and am amazed at how good it works each time.

[Glenn Basore]

Thanks everyone, I will keep trying.

I just tried Steam and a stiff brush, very little effect. no results with aceton.



Glenn

[Bob23]

Salty, Glenn and all:
   One of my customers turned my onto Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Try that and let us know how it works. I tried it on my bills but they didn't go away..maybe  you'll have more luck on your stains.
Bob23

[Glenn Basore]

Just tried Mr Clean Magic eraser it too didn't work!

Glenn

[peterg]

Fantastic With Bleach and a stiff bristle brush has taken most non-rust based stains off my Compacs. Bob23 told me that cheap booze would remove anything else.

[Tim Gardner]

1000 grit wet or dry sandpaper to remove the stain, then rubbing compound to get the shine.

ALWAYS WORKS!  requires elbow grease or a polishing sander.  I use a mouse sander when attempting this.

If you don't want to sand it out, rubber gloves and foaming caustic oven cleaner or M-1 Deck wash ( both very caustic) and pressure wash.

I've used both methods, and both work.

TG

[B.Hart]

   I'm with Tim on this one, but I am use to working on old stuff, and a sanding and good compounding can restore a well chalked gel coat.   BILL

[Glenn Basore]

The stains are in the non skid areas of the cockpit on my Eclipse so sanding is not possible.

I'm thinking of buying a pressure washer but not sure of what type to buy or how much to spend on one.

I will try some more suggestions to day once i return from the store with the chemicals you all have suggested.

Glenn

[Salty19]

Sorry to hear Mr Clean M-E didn't work!   I figured it would take them right off.

[ontarioSuncat]

Try a product called Waterline stain remover.
http://www.auroramarine.com/aurora/catalog/fishing-boats/waterline-stain-remover-11210.htm
Might work, It takes off that organic mess at the waterline. You will have to way your nonskid to seal it again. Use the non skid wax they have.

[Bob23]

 Pedro:
   I don't know for a fact that cheap booze will remove stains. But with the proper use of good rum, those stains will look a whole lot better.
Bob23