Stained gel coat...going nuts here

[T37Chef]

The boat has staining on the hull gel coat, mostly on the forward port side. Please help, its driving me crazy that I can't get it off!

These are things I have tried with NO success:

3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound
3M Restorer & Wax (Severe)
FSR Gel
EZ On EZ Off Hull Cleaner (West Marine)
Collinites 870 Heavy Duty Wax & Compound
Black Streak Remover
Starbrite Instant Hull Cleaner
SLX
Wet Sanding with 800 grit

The only thing that even came close to removing the stains was "Amazing ROLL-OFF" by Bell Chemical Corp.

HELP...boat has to go in by Friday!!!!!!

PS...Cant afford to have it painted so thats out this year

[PBzeer]

Have you tried Soft Scrub with a scratchy kitchen sponge?

[Faster]

If you were unable to sand it off, then it must be too deep in the gelcoat for any surface treatment to have much effect...

In the past I have partially removed those "yellowish" stains with a cleaning acid available from hardware stores, but it wasn't a long-term fix. (and not a very "green" practice!) We ended up painting.

[Freesail99]

I have used easy off oven cleaner with 400 grit wet sand paper. Works great on removing paint and I also had luck with some stains.

[camaraderie]

T37.....The Admiral suggests you try:
Mr Clean magic wipes
Clorox Cleanup
Mean Green Cleaner
Oxalic Acid solution

You don't note the cause of the stain...but if it is similar to the famous ICW moustache...the solution is the Oxalic Acid. If just dirty looking and stained...try the others first.

[T37Chef]

I don't know what the stain is from, but it is not the ICW Mustache (LOL). It's not, but looks like an exhaust stain...it cant be because its primarily on the forward port side near the water line.

Thanks for the suggestions, will try all and post what, if anything suggested worked Keep your fingers crossed.

[sailaway21]

Have had excellent luck with the Soft Scrub and 3M pad as suggested by the Beezer.

[sailortjk1]

Originally Posted by sailaway21

Have had excellent luck with the Soft Scrub and 3M pad as suggested by the Beezer.

Isn't that way too abrasive?
I would think the 3-m pads would do damage to the Gel.

[rchrdcoe]

I have used OSPHO in the past with good results. Can be had from a hardware store. I think it is basically Phosphoric acid. Marketed as a rust remover/converter.

[T34C]

Sometimes gelcoat can pick-up tanins that are in the water from a lot of leaves in the fall. (happens alot on inland lakes) It looks like a brownish stain that won't wipe off. Vanish toilet bowl cleaner will usually do the trick.