how to get rust off fibreglass boats?

Answer 1

I came across that problem when I bought an older sailboat. I conferred with my fellow yachtsmen and all agreed that; FSR (from the marine store) should do the job. It worked great for all general rust stains (as well as most all stains) but, with the heavy discoloration stains (old and deeply embedded) Oscillac Acid (not sure of the spelling) was the only other means that worked.

Answer 2

Hey Ben, don't feel bad about some of these wise a$$es, I have a rust mark on my fiberglass gunnel. It happened when I had some engine work done, the mechanic must have left a rusty part on it for a few days. I only scrubbed it a bunch of times while washing down the deck with boat soap, but if I really want to remove it next season, I'll try CLR first, its a Calcium, Lime, and Rust cleaner product. It's supposed to be great.

Answer 3

I have always found that Starbrite products such as Starbrite Fibreglass Colour Restorer works pretty well. Once the stain has gone, wax with a marine polish within 7 days.
Starbrite stuff seems to be reasonably priced (for something which says "marine" on the bottle anyway) and is quite readilly available at most chandlers.

Answer 4

Wow. I guess a lot of these smart asses never owned a boat. Leave a rusty part on fiberglass and the rust will stain the fiberglass. This happens a lot. Using steel hardware instead of stainless can leave a nice rust line down the side of your boat.

I use WD-40.

Answer 5

I know how nasty rust can be on a fiberglass boat. I used steel wool to clean my deck one time and I'm still cleaning rust off. the best stuff Ive found is some deck and hull cleaner called Mary Kate. You will find it at your local marine store. READ the directions, its very potent stuff.

Answer 6

Is this a stain from mooring close to a rotting steel boat that you are trying to remove?
Marinas carry specialist cleaners for removing marks on fibreglass, or you could try, maybe, a bit of gentle rubbing with a household cream cleaner.

Answer 7

Get it's works the best> Homedumpo>Lower price than a marine store>

Answer 8

Rust is a byproduct of "oxidizing iron" (steel). If the steel is not present at rust spot, then it is "running down' from elsewhere!-- Removing the stain itself should not be a problem, as firbreglass resists damage from most chemicals! Products like "limeaway", CLR, and common miraitic acid will remove them quickly. In case of miraiatic acid I would only use Miriatic acid in proportion of about 50/50 mix - or less (acid into water,- not water into acid, - splashes will be less damaging to skin)! Obviously you want to use "protective gloves" when working with miraitic! If prolonged exposure expected gloves should be used with the other stuff also! Be sure to flush,-and clean areas acid comes in contact on boat as well as the person (& clothing) ,--as acid in producut will eat anything "decomoposible" - as well !! Now you should also protect the "ferrous" material the rust came from in order to keep it from becoming unuseable, - as well as stopping the "rust" from flowing down" and staining firbreglas again! Besides, painted metal looks prettier than rusted metal!

Answer 9

If you ask niicely at your local accident repair centre, they may give you some rubbing compound paste to remove the rust stains from the fibreglass.

Don't overdo it or you may go through both the colour coat of the body and possibly damage the gel coat of the fibreglass.

Brasso may work, but if the paintwork is highly polished it may leave a visible mark.

Answer 10

There are some real wiseacres here! If the stain is not to serious,use one of the fibreglass restorers with wax-If it is a bit more stubborn use something a bit more serious, like Tcut or Farecla,but don`t forget to wax the area you have cleaned.