Side curtains/acid Wash

No Reservations · 11-03-2007, 09:59 AM

Just bought a used boat that was moored for a couple of summers at the coast.The side curtains have some moderate water spotting and was wondering if any of you dogs have any good product suggestions for cleaning them. One other question the boat was acid washed to clean it. How will this hold up on the aluminum over time and is there a down side to the acid wash. Probably a little late for this question but just thought I would ask.
Thanks
Wes

Lady E · 11-03-2007, 10:47 AM

I use a product made by Meguiars. It is for plexiglass side curtains and comes in two strengths. I don't remember which one is which but one comes in a blue bottle which I think is the coarser of the two; the other bottle is white and I think it is the polish. I have newer side curtains so I use the white bottle. It really helps with scratches and cloudiness.

It is available in most auto part stores.

I don't have an aluminum boat so I can't offer any info on the acid wash.

Good luck with the new boat

Metal Manipulator · 11-03-2007, 11:24 AM

Meguires I agree. Now if the staining looks too bad then you might have to have new vinal put on. I asked the guy at the Boat Tops and More shop and he said the only way to prevent it is to keep it out of the sun and my reply was that won't be possible for a moored boat.

My top is now four years old and it looked like some thing that acid would take off. I used phosphoric acid and it did not work, it was way beyond polish so off to the repair shop I went.

Second question - Acid wash will take off the Oxidation, but this oxidation is what will protect the alluminum hence alluminum oxide a very hard substance. It won't look nice and shiny but it will be protected.

Good News Tuna · 11-03-2007, 02:14 PM

The Meguires product works good on new stuff, never tried it on older curtains but it takes some of the small scraches out and makes them look like new. Also very easy to use. If its clean I can do the whole boat in a 1/2 hour.

Ryan

Flipcb · 11-04-2007, 05:46 AM

My boat is six years old with 100% in the weather and a couple 1000 hours on salt water. A friend told me to use pledge furniture polish spray. I did and there was a vast improvement. They were definitely not like new, but much better.

bigwhite · 11-05-2007, 02:51 PM

I had great luck with "Meguires Clear Plastic Polish and deep cleaner."

The first time I did it by hand it looked good but took forever. Its a 2 stage cleaner and polish.

I found at GIjoes a Flitz ball for polishing and it made it go faster and have a better result.

I think if I had to do it again I might get a orbital polisher and try that too..