Anyone have a success story on how to remove rust stains from sails without damaging the sails themselves? (I know, a pair of scissors could do it, but...) Mine are colored, and I'd like to remove a few small rust stains without harming the color.

and therein is the problem. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

There are proprietary stain removers that will remove rust. Oxalic acid will also do it. But I think you'll find they'll all take the colour out of your sail. Is it REALLY bad or could you live with it?

At some point in the future you'll be getting new sails, if it were me, I'd just live with it.

I can live with it if need be, but there's a difference between what I gotta live with and what I wanna live with. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Bon Ami got rust off hulls. Don't know if it would work on sails with taking color out. Try a small spot.

Doug

You might try contacting a sailmaker and asking them...

I know that a paste of salt and lemon juice worked into the area and let to bake in the sun works great on regular fabric. It is a natural bleach. Try it I wouldn't think it would hurt the sail any. Good luck!

Dacron cloth or a laminate? Years ago I used something called Foaming Sail Cleaner from HA Calahans. Worked well for my Dacron Hobie white and colored sails.

Tom G

Here is a product listed in Sailrite

Boeshield RUST FREE

The general description is:


Rust Free is a rust and stain remover. Removes rust from the following surfaces: steel, cast iron, stainless, fiberglass, chrome, tile, porcelain, concrete, vinyl and cloth.

Directions: Apply Rust Free thoroughly wetting surface. Allow to penetrate for 30 to 60 seconds, then wipe dry. For heavy rust repeat and scrub with Scotch Brite pad if necessary. Rust Free works best above 70 degrees.

4oz spray
Non-Toxic, Biodegradable, Non-Flammable.
Use to remove rust before applying Boeshield T-9.

Returns Available/Warranty
Return for refund: 30 Day(s)

From a sidebar entitled Sailcloth Care on page 44 of the 2006 catalog:

The following methods (detailed in Sail Repair Manual) can be used to remove or reduce spots and stains:

RUST--soak the affected area in a 5% solution of oxalic acid dissolved in hot water. Follow this with a 2% solution of hydrochloric acid in warm water and , finally, rinse well with clear water.

I had great luck with FSR gel at West Marine. It is made for fiberglass but worked fast on my white dacron Hobie sails with no damage whatsoever. Can't comment on mylar or any other material. You'd need to test for color fastness.