Polishing the stainless steel and chrome

[cathnath]

Got caught out in 40 knot blow in the Hauraki Gulf yesterday on way to the Barrier. Ripped the Genoa so decided to take cover behind Kawau. Still here stitching sails and doing repairs. Tried this really cool stainless steel polish that works wonders on all those cruddy areas that need a good tart up. Hokey Pokey is gleaming now!

Polish is Autosol Metal Polish. See Autosol® Autopflege - Autowachs Felgenreiniger Lackreiniger Lederpflege Metall-Politur.
Bought it from Sailors Corner in Auckland.



Have tried it on Chrome windows as well. One in particular above aft heads is always corroding due to frequent usage. I have tried WD40, Oil and a few other things to prevent corrosion, however drives me nuts. Any ideas on a product to protect chrome sills?

Nathan

[Wannadriveaboat]

I use that stuff a lot
My favorite rust remover is called "never dull" wipes rust off like dust.

[cathnath]

cool, will give it a crack

[Celestialsailor]

I use to use Autosol on my aluminum on my Harleys...great stuff. Also used "Never Dull" on copper...amazing. Did not know it wiped rust away. I have some stainless that is bleeding a little. I'll give it a shot.

[hmsindy]

Try gojo hand cleaner on stainless. It's cheap and great.

[Neptune's Gear]

The cheapest and best way to clean stainless is oxalic acid. Buy some powder, put a couple of teaspoons in 500mls water. Wipe on or use a spray bottle. Wait 10 mins, hose off. Looks like you spent all day polishing it!! Fantastic on the yellow waterline as well. Get it from your local hardware store - often used as a brick cleaner.
If you want to spend money, try GRUNT - its basically Oxalic Acid in a gel, brushed on - so it stays where you put it. Oh yea, although this is a mild solution - wear gloves - apparently its bad for you kidneys and is absorbed through the skin....

[angelfish2]

This stuff is the best I've ever seen for cleaning and polishing metal. I even cleaned our mast and spreaders with it, along with all the standing rigging.

[Fog Bank]

I've been using Bar Keepers Friend. It hasn't disappointed me yet.

[kali]

Spotless Stanless is my choice to clean and protect.
Home - Spotless Stainless Removes Rust, Protects Stainless Steel
Karl

[Wannadriveaboat]

Originally Posted by Neptune's Gear

The cheapest and best way to clean stainless is oxalic acid. Buy some powder, put a couple of teaspoons in 500mls water. Wipe on or use a spray bottle. Wait 10 mins, hose off. Looks like you spent all day polishing it!! Fantastic on the yellow waterline as well. Get it from your local hardware store - often used as a brick cleaner.
If you want to spend money, try GRUNT - its basically Oxalic Acid in a gel, brushed on - so it stays where you put it. Oh yea, although this is a mild solution - wear gloves - apparently its bad for you kidneys and is absorbed through the skin....

Sounds too easy, but will try it out. I am wondering about the stainless holding up the bimini. Will it harm the fabric.
When you say along the waterline, can I assume you mean good for fiberglass

[HankOnthewater]

Yes, Oxalic acid is good for painted surfaces and fibreglass as well.
Although when you apply it low to the waterline the antifoul gets a bit of a 'bleached' look, but I never found it to diminish the antifoul properties.
I have used it for dozens of years. I buy it from a swimming pool shop.