Cleaning tar from gelcoat

[Ronnie]

Any recommendations on what to use to clean some black marks (tar?) from the non-skid deck on my boat? I've used acetone/nail polish remover for a couple spots in the past. This seems like kind of a harsh chemical to be using - any other ideas?

[REW]

You are right. Acetone, is a bit on the harsh side.
Actually, ordinary paint thinner - petroleum spirits work very well.
Also WD-40 - which is reputed to contain paint thinner, also works very well.

Also, if you want to give life to your gel coat, the wd-40 seems to give faded gel coat new life.

Take care
REW

[Huskie]

If the black marks are not a tar product, you might want to try StarBright's Black Streak remover. Its sold at places that carry a full line of boating products (Boat Us, West Marine) and works well. I used it on the deck of my 20 foot Walkaround (all white---what a color to keep clean) It was the only thing I found that got rid of the black shoe scuffs.

[djh2]

Try hand cleaner - works great on most petroleum-based materials.

[skeeter]

OK, you bet Skeeter has just the thing for you. We have a product called MPC it a Multi Purpose Cleaner - Ready-to-use multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser. Clean up your trailer and wheels in no time! Very tough on oils and grease. Use in and around the house, office, garage, or anywhere dirt, grease and grime are a problem. We also have several other boat cleaning products listed on the products page and in the directory. If you have any questions please call me at 989-837-2681 anytime. If I am not at home leave your number and I will call you.

http://www.walleyecentral.com/phpyellow/yellowresult.php?goal=Detail&ckey=29&primaryField=description&category=Boat%2FMarine+Supplies&textToFind=

OR

http://www.walleyecentral.com/skeeter_products.shtml



I've spent most of my life fishing. The rest of it I wasted!
Use the WALLEYE CENTRAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY under marine supplies, it works!

[skeeter]

ttt
I've spent most of my life fishing. The rest of it I wasted!
Use the WALLEYE CENTRAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY under marine supplies, it works!

[skeeter]

ttt
I've spent most of my life fishing. The rest of it I wasted!
Use the WALLEYE CENTRAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY under marine supplies, it works!

[Jack G]

I have used kerosene to remove tar from the sides and wheels of my autos and trucks for many years, I don't know why it would not work on gelcoat as well. I have never seen any signs of an adverse effect on my vehicle finishes.

On vehicles I simply wet the area to be cleaned with kerosene and then wipe it and the tar off with a soft cloth. If the tar is very heavy I simply let the kerosene sit on the surface a bit longer before wiping it off. Very quick and almost no effort. After the tar is removed I flood the area with water and dry with a soft cloth.

Jack

[skeeter]

Jack, I am not sure I would want to use a flammable material like that on a boat unless the owner sure uses a lot of soap and water to do a good clean up afterwards. IMO any cleaner inside a boat should be non flammable. Skeeter


I've spent most of my life fishing. The rest of it I wasted!
Use the WALLEYE CENTRAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY under marine supplies, it works!