How to remove salt build up from a boat without compound

B

Billd55

New member
Anyone that has cleaned boats that are in salt water know it is hard to
remove salt build up. Once again, add wax plus heat and you got a mess.
Using heavy compound is what most detailers use to remove the buildup.
This will do the job, but it is close to using sandpaper.Gel coat is only
several mils thick and if you wear it down too much you get what I call
ghosting. This is were you see dull spots when you look down the side
of a hull.

When I first starting doing boats using compound I thought there had to be a better way. You constantly have to clean out the wool pad because
compound builds up in the pad, and it must all be removed from the surface before any wax or sealant is applied.

The sealant I use comes with a awesome pre-cleaner that contains
diatomaceous earth or DE. Guys you can do research on DE, and you
will see it's many uses.

I found that when I use a high speed wheel with a foam pad and
spray the cleaner on an area, and then buff it in,it breaks up the salt
build up. I then use dawn and water to wash off all the deposits.
I sometimes have to repeat the procedure, but I am ready to apply
the sealant to a clean surface.

This works very well on colored hulls which are very easy to damage
if you use grit compound. When you rub the cleaner between your
fingers you will feel nothing as far as a abrasive feeling.Plus, you can wash your pad out with just water and it is completely clean.

I suggest doing a boat every six months down here in Florida to maintain
the protection. My method does a better job, and cut many hours of
back breaking compounding work.

Bill D.
 
Thanks Bill, I will have a look at this DG stuff.

Question? have you used this on clear coats or glass for water spot removal?

That is always a hassle in detailing in my area we have some super hard water here.
 
Dave

I would not use it on a clearcoat because it will leave swirl marks using
a wheel, but an orbital should be no problem.Although, on Stage 1 paint jobs like a white vans it will work great with a wheel.

Here is a trick to clean glass with hard deposits. I use wire wheel acid
or aluminium brighter. It contains two types of acid.I put it on the
the glass and use a nylon brush to work it in, and then wash it off with
water. It will take the worst spots off like magic. It will not hurt the paint
if it sits on it for a short period.

BillD
 
Billd55 said:
Dave

I would not use it on a clearcoat because it will leave swirl marks using
a wheel, but an orbital should be no problem.Although, on Stage 1 paint jobs like a white vans it will work great with a wheel.

Here is a trick to clean glass with hard deposits. I use wire wheel acid
or aluminium brighter. It contains two types of acid.I put it on the
the glass and use a nylon brush to work it in, and then wash it off with
water. It will take the worst spots off like magic. It will not hurt the paint
if it sits on it for a short period.

BillD
Click to expand...

Thanks

I have done that with wheel cleaners for WS, your right works like a charm!

Another product that I use is Amaz, use Google to look it up, good stuff!
 
Billd55 said:
Here is a trick to clean glass with hard deposits. I use wire wheel acid
or aluminium brighter. It contains two types of acid.I put it on the
the glass and use a nylon brush to work it in, and then wash it off with
water. It will take the worst spots off like magic. It will not hurt the paint
if it sits on it for a short period.

BillD
Click to expand...

Yes this works very well but it is dangerous and can cause damage to certain materials like plastic trim around the windows. This is not something that should be done unless you take proper precautions. Also, I do not recommend using acid on windshields. Windshields can haze up using this method.

Surfaces must remain wet and be rinsed thoroughly. I use this method when I can and it does make windows like brand new. I have a hard time recommending to others though because of the possiblity of damage.
 
Me too, Troy. I use many little tricks that could cause problems for others. I wouldn't make a blanket recommendation to try most of these. We all have our own comfort level.
 
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