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Cleaning of exterior chaulking

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by crowley, Jan 8, 2011.

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  1. crowley, Jan 8, 2011
    #1
    crowley

    crowley New Member

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    I have a 2009 cruising yacht that has had the exterior chaulking replaced once by the builder. The chaulking shows dirt alot and is hard to clean, any suggestions ??? The boat is kept spotless however the chaulking has always been a problem.... is there a cleaning solution that we could use ??

    thank you
  2. NYCAP123, Jan 8, 2011
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Is it dirt or mold?
  3. crowley, Jan 8, 2011
    #3
    crowley

    crowley New Member

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    seems like a combination, under the trunk it seems like mold and on the sides is gray or dirt... I have tried acetone solution as directed by dealer however did not clean as expected.

    Thank you,
  4. NYCAP123, Jan 8, 2011
    #4
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Have you tried Clorox Gel for the mold, then whitewall or fender cleaner. Be careful of surrounding areas. Once the stain is really set though recaulking may be necessary.
  5. crowley, Jan 8, 2011
    #5
    crowley

    crowley New Member

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    Thank you..it seems that the chaulking when the boat was built was done correctly this could have been avoided ???
  6. NYCAP123, Jan 8, 2011
    #6
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Could be the caulk; could be the area you dock or cruise in. Keeping after it from day one is the key.
  7. Marmot, Jan 9, 2011
    #7
    Marmot

    Marmot Senior Member

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    What is chaulking?
  8. Fishy, Jan 25, 2011
    #8
    Fishy

    Fishy New Member

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    When you do recaulk, which it seems you have no other choice, make sure you are not using one of the "adhesive sealers" , they have no or very little UV and mildew protection

    I was super clever and used 5200 for caulking once , not clever :eek:
  9. Capt J, Jan 25, 2011
    #9
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yup. I life lifeseal, for exterior caulking. It's manufactured by Boatlife. It lays down really nice and is really easy to get a nice caulking line, and holds up well. Do not use lifecaulk.
  10. wdrzal, Jan 26, 2011
    #10
    wdrzal

    wdrzal Senior Member

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    For general grime , buy a tub of "GoJo" hand cleaner (without pumice/abrasive). Works on gelcoat and paint also used to remove greasy dirt & oily soot . Wipe on with one cloth,rinse with clean water and dry off with a clean rag. I have even used it with a electric 9" grinder fitted with a wool buffing pad. Then you can wax your degreased surface.