darn deck stains

[QuickMick]

darn deck stains! ive been trying to get these teak oil stains of the topside fiberglass. while i have gotten some suggestions, i tried the mineral spirits to no avail. two things, i did find 'turtle wax' brand rubbing compound that does the trick, have you used it is it safe? where the deck is patterned for grip (diagonal diamond pattern) i cant seem to get a stinkin brush in there enough to clean the grooves, then end up with deck stain and cleaner in the the grooves.

any ideas?

Q

[dacap06]

Mick,

The rubbing compound is removing gel coat on your FRP. The rate of removal depends on what shape your gel coat is in (age, how oxidized, or pitted and compromised), rub rate (I hope you are doing this by hand, not machine) and whether you are using coarse or fine. I don't know the Turtlewax product. I use white (fine grit) 3M polishing compound or red (coarse grit) 3M rubbing compound for the occasional automotive bodywork.

My advice: if you can find another effective way to remove teak oil stains from your deck, use it. If you can't and the unoxidised, solid part your gel coat is thin, I'd just live with the stains or think about painting your deck. If you feel neither option is acceptable and think you can safely remove some gel coat without compromising its protection, remove the minimum possible amount slowly and carefully.

Of course, the real lesson of this situation is to figure out a better way of masking for the next teak oil application. Ain't hindsight a bear?

[RichH]

Almost all 'teak oils' are removed by TSP (TriSodiumPhosphate) ... dissolve the crystals in HOT water and apply to the teak oil. Caution: dont apply to bare teak as it will extract the brown 'tannins' (.... and the 'grey' UV destroyed wood cells. 'Soak-time' is important to 'emulsify' the dried oil - apply some of the solution to a "plastic" sponge, put the sponge ON the stain, and seal it to the deck, etc. with tape - to keep the solution 'wet'.

TSP is available in 'dry' form in most hardware and paint stores in 1/2, 1 and 5 lb. containers; its used for cleaning bare wood and to remove 'oils' from wood.

Secondly, you can use just about any 'caustic soap' ... will do the same thing as TSP just takes a bit longer.

:-)