Oxalic Acid

[Tree]

Anyone ever used this for cleaning the grp up?

Does it work on coloured gelcoat for removing the chalky oxidised build up? I know it's used on stainless steel for removing rust spots as I was thinking about using it to remove the tarnish from our hand rails until I looked at a few videos of it in action online.

Thought I'd ask here as you guys seem to be able to access this sort of stuff easier and it's not something I'm aware of over here although I can buy it and it's cheap!

Thoughts and feedback always appreciated

Lee

[DougSea]

I use CRC's Mary Kate On-Off. I have NO idea how it got it's name.

Here's a video from ShipShape TV. It's a sales pitch, but I can tell you, this stuff works. It is also VERY strong and you want to be careful when you use it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsEutXi04Bg

I've also used FSR. Not as stong, but it's a gel and can be easier to use for some jobs.

http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products ... ?grp=m17-2

[seasalt]

It is also the main ingredient in Bar Keeper's Friend powder. I have used on my stainless Magma Grill and on stubborn stains on the non skid cockpit deck. I don't think I would put it on colored gelcoat.

[Tree]

I'm just thinking of using it in a very diluted state to try and keep down the oxidation down during the year. Over here our season is all year round and we only lift the boat out once a year for its refit. Despite 5 layers of wax in the spring, FP is showing oxidation on the starboard side and on the stern. It looks unsightly as it is patchy.

[djblackwood]

I haven't found oxalic acid based cleaners to be of much benefit in removing oxidation. They remove wax better and are good on stains. Products like FSR are relatively safe if not left on longer than necessary to remove the stains and then thoroughly rinsed off. Bar Keeper's Friend also has abrasives which will remove the oxidation and more if you rub hard enough. Then there's the residue that needs to be rinsed away too. Vim cleaner has various formulations with and without abrasives and is cheaper than an equivalent marine product.