Last Updated on September 16, 2022
There are many tips to follow when you are planning to acid wash your boat. For best results, you should always perform a thorough cleaning at the end of every boating season. You can use Muriatic acid, Oxalic acid, or a Citrus-based degreaser. Follow the steps below to properly care for your boat. Make sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions for the appropriate acid wash. Afterward, apply a citrus-based degreaser or a Muriatic acid-based paint protectant.
Muriatic acid
Muriatic acid is an excellent choice for washing your boat if it is covered in algae and is inexpensive. It can be purchased from many sources and is best mixed with water in a ratio of 50:50. Before applying Muriatic acid to your boat, presoak the hull in the water. Once the water dries, apply the Muriatic acid solution and allow it to work for a few minutes. Afterwards, use soap and water to neutralize it.
Before applying Muriatic acid, make sure it is diluted with water. Never use muriatic acid in concentrated form – it can damage the gelcoat. Using the solution on your boat should be done only with the advice of a professional. Never apply it directly to the boat, as it can be harmful to it. If you are cleaning tubes, it is best to separate them into sections and apply it in smaller amounts.
Oxalic acid
Oxalic acid is a powerful chemical compound that is a thousand times stronger than acetic acid. It appears as a white crystal that is colorless in water. It is a diprotic acid because it gives away two protons to its base. If used correctly, oxalic acid can remove stains from your boat while leaving it sparkling clean. It is safe to use when following proper safety measures.
The pH of Coca-Cola is about 2.52, while fresh-squeezed lemon contains between 5 and 6 percent citric acid. Most sailors use Oxalic acid wash for a variety of cleaning purposes, and many common marine cleaning products contain it. Another popular product is Barkeepers Friend, which is cheaper in natural powder form than the concentrated version. It is safe to use if it is diluted. But if you do decide to use Oxalic acid to wash a boat, be sure to use protective gear.
Isinglass treatment
If you’re going to be acid washing your boat, you must also treat its Isinglass windows. While regular cleaning products are effective for many parts of the boat, you must be particularly careful when it comes to clear windows. The following steps will help you protect these windows without risking damage to your investment. First, rinse with fresh water to remove all salt deposits. Next, use a chamois to pat dry.
It is important to remember that the treatment for your Isinglass is not permanent, and you must give it a warm-weather period to straighten it out. You must also avoid keeping it rolled up for long periods of time, as beads of water can stick to it and cause it to fog. Acid washing can be expensive, but it’s well worth it to protect your Isinglass. Moreover, it will give you clear and beautiful sightlines for many years to come.
Citrus-based degreaser
To get the best results with citrus-based degreaser for acid-washing your boat, mix it with water at a ratio of 10:1 to 40:1. If you’re using it for your bilge, use a spray bottle and agitate the solution to achieve the best results. Using a citrus-based degreaser for acid-washing your boat will protect the boat’s finish and prevent future rust and corrosion.
Use a citrus-based degreaser for acid-washing your boat to remove stubborn stains. This type of cleaner is free of ammonia, solvents, or alcohol. Apply it to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing. If the stain is a barnacle or husk, you can use a mild citrus degreaser to remove it.
About The Author
Wendy Lee is a pop culture ninja who knows all the latest trends and gossip. She's also an animal lover, and will be friends with any creature that crosses her path. Wendy is an expert writer and can tackle any subject with ease. But most of all, she loves to travel - and she's not afraid to evangelize about it to anyone who'll listen! Wendy enjoys all kinds of Asian food and cultures, and she considers herself a bit of a ninja when it comes to eating spicy foods.