[614084]

The guy who built my aluminum fishing arch suggested that I use steel wool to improve the finish if ever it becomes dull or to remove small nicks, pockmarks, scratches, etc…. I spent a number of hours this past winter giving my fishing arch a new finish it desperately need. Looks like new. Problem is, I didn’t think to remove all the steel wool dust particles that fell to the deck resulting from the job. I figured I was putting the boat in the water in a few weeks anyway and would clean it then. That was a mistake; the steel wool dust quickly rusted (practically overnight) and stained the fiberglass deck. I tried scrubbing it with minimal results but it still looks terrible. Any suggestion on how to remove the rust from the deck?

 

[614084]

Thanks for the replies

I tried using bleach to no avail - thanks anyway boatnblues. I'll try the On/Off. Sounds like it might be good stuff to have around anyway.

AHHH.... bronze wool. Good Idea!

Someone also suggested I use a product called CLR(Calcium, Lime and Rust remover). I may give that a shot too.

Thanks for the quick responses,
Pete

 

[614084]

The verdict is in….

I first tried a product called CLR that I mentioned above. Primary because the person that recommended it, had it, which meant I didn't have to buy it and I could save a couple of bucks. It didn't work at all. So I went to Fred Chall Marine Supply with every intention of purchasing ON/OFF. With my hand on the bottle, a sales person asked me if I need any help. I explained that I need to remove some rust stains from my deck and was told this is the way to go. The sales person explained that ON/OFF was designed to be used on the hull and that I should use a product by Starbrite called "Rust Stain Remover". The Starbrite was $5 cheaper than ON/OFF so I new the guy was giving me honest advice. Also the Starbrite stuff came in a spray bottle which would make it easier to use. Turns out the salesman was right. Sprayed the stuff on the rust stains, waited a few minutes, wiped it off and it was gone. Man that was simple. Some spots needed a little scrubbing with a green scrubby but it all came up. Again, thanks for all your advice.