Bleach blotchy non-skid?

[saltypat]

I am cleaning up a new to me 1984 Endeavour 33. I had a "detailer" do the deck. He said he bleached it.... I didn't ask the details. I have since moved the boat. The non-skid looks streaky, white in some parts, light tanish in others. I would try to rebleach it if I knew how much bleach to use. Can I put too much bleach on fiberglass? Incidentally, the non non-skid parts of the deck look okay.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks, SaltyPat

[jackytdunaway]

I don't know the answer for sure but as long as it is washed off right away i don't think the bleach would hurt the fiberglass. I would not use straight bleach on anything though. I have a simlilar problem from using the spray cleaner with bleach to clean mine. i am following the Kiwigrip thread real close. if it works out it might be a good idea to put a new layer of Kiwigrip on. it sounds pretty simple but let's see how this one plays out..

[sailingdog]

Bleach may or may not help. If the bleach doesn't work, try using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. These seem to get rid of a lot of stains on fiberglass that bleach and other cleansers don't touch.

[sailaway21]

You've probably got worn gel-coat, on which subject i am the proud possessor of a nationally recognized test yacht. (g) The bleach probably cleaned things up, btw-Soft Scrub seems to work the best, but now you've got a chalky porous surface. The chalkiness is due to the age of the gel-coat and it is oxidation. If rubbing compound won't shine it up, and it probably won't-but try, you'll have to sand with 400-800 wet/dry paper (use it wet!) to remove the oxidation. Once the chalky oxidation is removed you are still stuck with porous gel-coat which catches all manner of dirt and stain inducing substances. Your interest in the Kiwigrip is understandable, not the least though because it will seal the gel-coat. I'm about to experiment with Woody's deck wax, another non-skid wax.

Once clean, you have to seal it in some manner or other, else you'll be forever cleaning. CardiacPaul's experience with Poliglow on the deck should convince anyone that, while it sealed great and sure did shine, sailing while wearing ice-skates is not desirable!

[tommyt]

Agree with sailinaway21, could be lots of things. also agree with soft scrub. I swear by softscrub with bleach and a stiff brush for the non skid. I never use it on anything but the non skid because it will scratch the clearer finishes. The stuff even removes the bird droppings during cherry season here in the north.

[saltypat]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll go back to work on it!
Saltypat