Cleaning & Polishing Topsides

[puddock]

Advice needed....
I get back from Nigeria this week and intend 'blitzing' the exterior of Rosally at the weekend.
After researching various forums, browsing various sites and talking with a guy on the rig that spent most of his working life around boatyards on the East coast of the US, I have formulated the following cunning plan....

1. Good scrub down with Oxalic Acid (I have got 5Kg - if anyone at Dunstaffnage wants some, let me know).
2. Very gently cut back with 2000 grit Wet or Dry.
3. Cut back again with Buff Magic & low speed polisher (lightly).
4. Go over with 3m polishing paste & low speed polisher (lightly).
5. Wax & buff.

Anything you think I might be missing (with the exception of the odd screw?)

[Silkie]

The oxalic is a purely chemical process AFAIK so I would separate it from the scrubbing to save splashing it around too much i.e. over me. Give the hull a good scrub and then apply oxalic and then rinse. All the rest sounds very thorough.

PS - would love a little myself. I presume it's a lot cheaper than Y10.

[Aja]

I agree that a wash then a wipe over with oxalic acid will give you an indication on how bad the topsides are. A note of caution however. The gelcoat is literally microns thick and excessive cutting back will do no good in the long run IMHO.

If this is intended to do it as a 'once off' then fine, but should not be done on a regular (annual) basis. I have used Farecla G10 finishing compound to some success to get the gloss shine back.

Regards
Donald

[cpedw]

I just completed the annual ritual on Blue Shift. It's the same each year:
1. Wash with soapy water
2. Fill the dings with boot polish - it's a dark blue hull. I've got a tin of a matching hue that's served well for 3 years and looks good for at least another three if we stay out of the Crinan Canal.
3. Rub over the "chalky" bits with Simoniz colour restorer.
3. Rub over the whole business with Simoniz wax (by hand).

Silkie will I'm sure vouch for the entirely imperceptible improvement in the hull's appearance. I am left with a smug feeling and shoulders that Arnie Schwarzenegger would be proud of.

Derek.

[sahona]

Oxalic - yes, elbow-grease and cutting compounds no.
I've got examples of what happens when the coloured layer gets rubbed away!

[Clyde_Wanderer]

The oxalic is a purely chemical process AFAIK so I would separate it from the scrubbing to save splashing it around too much i.e. over me. Give the hull a good scrub and then apply oxalic and then rinse. All the rest sounds very thorough.

PS - would love a little myself. I presume it's a lot cheaper than Y10.

Yes Silkie it is a lot cheaper and more concentrated.
I bought a 5kg tub last year, and what I havent used I have given away.
Got it at Wipe Clean ltd Clydebank, for £19 odds, and am going to order some more in the morning.
Spose I could let you have a couple tub fulls.
C_W

[Clyde_Wanderer]

I just completed the annual ritual on Blue Shift. It's the same each year:
1. Wash with soapy water
2. Fill the dings with boot polish - it's a dark blue hull. I've got a tin of a matching hue that's served well for 3 years and looks good for at least another three if we stay out of the Crinan Canal.
3. Rub over the "chalky" bits with Simoniz colour restorer.
3. Rub over the whole business with Simoniz wax (by hand).

Silkie will I'm sure vouch for the entirely imperceptible improvement in the hull's appearance. I am left with a smug feeling and shoulders that Arnie Schwarzenegger would be proud of.

Derek.

She must be looking like old boots by now then!

[Clyde_Wanderer]

I agree that a wash then a wipe over with oxalic acid will give you an indication on how bad the topsides are. A note of caution however. The gelcoat is literally microns thick and excessive cutting back will do no good in the long run IMHO.

If this is intended to do it as a 'once off' then fine, but should not be done on a regular (annual) basis. I have used Farecla G10 finishing compound to some success to get the gloss shine back.

Regards
Donald

I second this, Ferecla G10 is the same grit as 2000 wet n dry, so save yourself a lot of unnesseccary hard work.

[puddock]

PS - would love a little myself. I presume it's a lot cheaper than Y10.

No probs Silkie, I will "stash" a tub in your cockpit......... hope nobody reports me hiding tubs of white powder on your boat

[Silkie]

Thanks for the offer CW but Rosally is Silkie's yardy, so avoiding p&p.

[Clyde_Wanderer]

Thanks for the offer CW but Rosally is Silkie's yardy, so avoiding p&p.

Just saved me any embarassment Silkie, as I tried to order it today from my usual suppliers only to be told they cant get it from their suppliers any more.

Can you tell me where you got yours from Puddock?
Cheers, C_W

[puddock]

Thanks for the offer CW but Rosally is Silkie's yardy, so avoiding p&p.

Just saved me any embarassment Silkie, as I tried to order it today from my usual suppliers only to be told they cant get it from their suppliers any more.

Can you tell me where you got yours from Puddock?
Cheers, C_W

I got mine off of Ebay - @£22 for 5 Kg if I remember correctly. There are smaller sizes available too.