cleaning grease off gelcoat

[lajimo]

I have a number of old grease stains (handprints after engine work) at various places around the cockpit. I've tried scrubbing with dawn dish liquid, rub towel dipped in acetone, grease cutter general sprays and nothing works. Any suggestions or more effective methods? Thanks

[dacap06]

Hmmmmm... that can be a tough one. In part, the answer depends on what shape your gel coat is in. Is it oxidized and porous? Was it waxed and polished before the grease print was placed? In other words, how much did the grease soak in? It also depends on how dirty the grease was.

I suspect the grease soaked in rather a lot or your previous approaches would probably have worked. If that's the case, water based products with soapy ingredients probably won't do it for you. You need something that is a solvent. Have you tried kerosene? Once tried, wipe it down thoroughly then wash it with soap to prevent residue.

If the grease print came from something like old engine oil, it will also contain a bunch of fine particulates that are particularly difficult to remove once the grease carries them into the pores of gelcoat. Generally, polishing will remove part of it but can force some of the particulates even deeper. You could try breaking up the particulates with oxyclean powder, applied as a paste. Be sure to wear rubber gloves! After letting it soak for a few minutes (say 3 - 5) rinse thoroughly.

Note that the above two steps will remove any wax also, so be prepared to rewax immediately once everything has been rinsed and dried.

Good luck!

[bljones]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

[lajimo]

Thanks for the tips. I will give them a try this weekend.