Rust streaks on fiberglass

[Ed D]

Hi! We are new to this forum having just brought our used 2001 Scamp home today. There are rust streaks on the side under the door holder and under the gravel guard. We need suggestions as to how we can clean these off. Have tried polishing compound, auto wax, Mr. Clean magic eraser, and comet cleanser. The heavier stuff came off but we still have some brown streaks. Can anyone give us a lead on a cleaner that will take off these streaks without hurting the gel coat?
Thanks, Ed & Gerri

[Donna D.]

Hi Ed, welcome to FiberglassRV, we're glad you found us.

We recently had a topic going about the exact same problem. While you're waiting for some new information to appear, you may want to read the topic, just click on this title:
Rust Removal, Naval Jelly, Phosphoric Acid, Removing Rust from Fiberglass

[Alf S.]

Hi! We are new to this forum having just brought our used 2001 Scamp home today. There are rust streaks on the side under the door holder and under the gravel guard. We need suggestions as to how we can clean these off. Have tried polishing compound, auto wax, Mr. Clean magic eraser, and comet cleanser. The heavier stuff came off but we still have some brown streaks. Can anyone give us a lead on a cleaner that will take off these streaks without hurting the gel coat?
Thanks, Ed & Gerri

Hi: Ed... My brother had the same prob. with his '72 Boler and we used a product called Iron Out. I also use it in our water softener and toilet tanks to remove the rust stains. It's avail. in the hardware/building supply stores.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Pete Dumbleton]

The key here is that the rust has actually penetrated the gel coat so mechanical abrasion with polish, sandpaper, hammer and chisel, etc. will only work if the gel coat is also removed.

This calls for a chemical attack on the rust, aka iron oxide, without attacking the gel coat, hence the chemical suggestions.

If they are acid-based, or you think they might be acid-based, be sure to use plenty of water so it gets washed off the frame steel...

[Tony Nowak]

Hi Ed,
We had the same experience with our Scamp that set outside for three years. Rustoleum rust stripper (not rust remover) worked like magic! Can't say ennough about how effective it is, found out about it on this great board.
Tony and Darlene

[Dave Baston]

Hi Ed,
I used "Bar Keepers Friend" for about $2.00. You make it into a paste with warm water. Scrub it in and let it set in the sun for 5 to 7 hours. Take a stiff nylon brush and rinse 2 to 3 times. and you will be AMAZED!!!!!!!!!! I used this on restoring a 1976 13 foot scamp this past summer with excellent results. Good Luck and let me know your results!

Dave
"The Triliium King"

[Jake Jacobson]

I used "Interlux Heavy Duty Stain Remover" http://www.boatersworld.com/product/177380029.htm

It is made for removing rust stains on gelcoat. I had some stubborn rust stains that CLR would not remove, and this stuff did the trick.

[Harry Young]

I just wanted to tag another recomendation for this product too.

Harry

I used "Interlux Heavy Duty Stain Remover" http://www.boatersworld.com/product/177380029.htm

It is made for removing rust stains on gelcoat. I had some stubborn rust stains that CLR would not remove, and this stuff did the trick.

[Ed D]

I would like to thank everyone for the responses. The CLR worked pretty well, however some of the stains are still there. I'm going to try the Interlux Heavy Duty
Stain Remover next. The job may have to wait until spring. Thanks again, Ed D