Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Stains in the gel coat (Read 513 times) previous topic - next topic

Stains in the gel coat

Does anyone have a good way to get varied stains out of the gel coat finish??  (e.g.  oil, bird crap, etc.)  Thanks and have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Stains in the gel coat

Reply #1 –
Only way it's worked for me is compound then wax to protect.  In gelgoat, once it has been oxydized, the stain becomes part of the gelcoat which can only be removed by compounding a microscopic layer of it off.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Stains in the gel coat

Reply #2 –
I experimented with various waxes and cleaners and ended up using a scotch brite pad and Nu Finish.  Not every stain came out but it did get a lot of them off.  Took several applications.  I then washed the entire coach and used Turtle Wax Ice on it and it has prevented stains from returning.  I usually repeat the wash and wax with Ice once per year.  In the interim I use the Ice Car Wash and it cleans up very nicely.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Stains in the gel coat

Reply #3 –
Nu Finish liquid or paste?
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Stains in the gel coat

Reply #4 –
Have used FSR (Fiberglass Stain Remover) on stains on boats.  You would want to test an area  before using it on the coach, as it might "over-whiten" compared with the aged patina of the rest of the coach.  But, it is very effective stuff.  At any marine store.

Best boat example is that it takes the "Waterway mustache" off the white fiberglass.  The mustache is caused by tannic acid and very difficult to remove.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Stains in the gel coat

Reply #5 –
I had very good results with 3m 06060 extra cut compound... I had yellow staining IN the gel coat verses ON.. Varriable speed polisher then a coat of hard shell turtle wax over the finished areas.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Stains in the gel coat

Reply #6 –
My stains were more difficult than "bird crap" and such..my stains were in the gell coat.. 3m 06060 may be overkill for lesser stains.. When I get a stain I get dandy's.. the kind that require extreme measures and daaays of physical effort.
Dub McBride 1996 270
 

Re: Stains in the gel coat

Reply #7 –
Thanks a bunch, I'll try some of these more aggressive things, guess I've been a little to gentle with gifts from our feathered friends!!  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'