Left my bow cushions on too long and.....

[Bucit]

Now the gelcoat is stained yellow? I tried using deck cleaner on it but it's still yellow in color. I've never seen gelocat stain like this. Should I try a cleaner wax or maybe some hull cleaner (toilet cleaner The Works) :huh: . All ideas are appreciated!

 

[rondds]

Try a small amount of FSR in an inconspicuous area. It's available at WM. I believe it's actually muriatic acid. Works wonders on rust stains that NOTHING else gets out. Brush a bit on, let it sit then wipe away and rinse with hose. FSR

 

[Bucit]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. It's not a rust stain though. It seems the foam cushion itself may have bled through the mesh backing? Not sure but it's definalty yellow.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Try a mixture of water:bleach at 4:1 (guesstimate is fine). Let it stand for about 5 minutes and then rinse. If it's sunny out, saturate a WHITE rag with the solution and lay the rag over the stain. See if that helps.

 

[trit21]

Try a mixture of water:bleach at 4:1 (guesstimate is fine). Let it stand for about 5 minutes and then rinse. If it's sunny out, saturate a WHITE rag with the solution and lay the rag over the stain. See if that helps.

I agree with this approach as well but I have also used softscrub with bleach and a stiff brush. Put softscrub on, rub it in with a little water, let it sit and rinse. Works great on the non-skid.

 

[Bucit]

Thanks LD and Trit. I will try this tonight and if it doesn't work I'll go buy some FSR.

 

[fwebster]

I think the plasticizer in the vinyl reacts with some mold release compounds and leaves a yellowish cast to the fiberglass. This is one of those things where time may be on your side. If you have a few days, before getting aggressive with chemicals or compound, try just leaving the cushions off the boat for a few days....my bet is the sunlight will make you "wonder where the yellow went".

 

[Bucit]

I think the plasticizer in the vinyl reacts with some mold release compounds and leaves a yellowish cast to the fiberglass. This is one of those things where time may be on your side. If you have a few days, before getting aggressive with chemicals or compound, try just leaving the cushions off the boat for a few days....my bet is the sunlight will make you "wonder where the yellow went".

Luckily I live in Florida and we have our fair share of sunshine. With all the years of baoting I've never seen gelcoat turn this yellowish color before. It's a boat so it's always something I guess.

 

[Russ Calasant]

I think the plasticizer in the vinyl reacts with some mold release compounds and leaves a yellowish cast to the fiberglass. This is one of those things where time may be on your side. If you have a few days, before getting aggressive with chemicals or compound, try just leaving the cushions off the boat for a few days....my bet is the sunlight will make you "wonder where the yellow went".

+1 this is what always works for me

 

[katricol]

+2....let the sun do the work!!

 

[Gofirstclass]

OK, here's a stupid question....you said you left the cushions on the boat too long. What do you normally do with them?

I've never removed cushions from any boat I've owned so I'm curious about your comment.

 

[Bucit]

OK, here's a stupid question....you said you left the cushions on the boat too long. What do you normally do with them?

I've never removed cushions from any boat I've owned so I'm curious about your comment.

These were the big bow cushions that snap on. I usually take them off and store them in the garage and put them on only when needed. The sun did fade the yellow tint and I think a couple more days of Florida sun and it will be back to normal.

 

[N369RM]

How "LONG" did you leave them on?

Ron Mason

 

[HUMPH]

I take mine off at the end of the summer and also remove them a few time during the summer to do a good cleaning under them. Once the wet weather start they just collect moisture and want to grow mold. If I were a Florida boater where summer rains are coming through a lot, I would probably only snap them in before heading out on a run and keep them inside the rest of the time.

 

[Bucit]

They were left on for months and yes it was during our raining season. It seems the sun has done a good job at removing the yellow tinge I saw and the cushions are now cleaned, dry and stored back in the garage . I only put them on when needed and then remove them afterwards but I guess I got lazy this time. Thankfully it didn't damage the gelcoat. Thansk for all the replies and input!