Teak Oil Spill on Oxidized Gelcoat

[four winds]

Just a few spots of oil from my careless efforts have dripped on my gelcoat. I didn't give it a second thought or try to remove it immediately. Later when I wiped with a soft cloth it had no effect as the oil had soaked into the oxidized gelcoat. The next time I washed the deck it had no effect on the stain.

I'm hoping these are not permanent stains. I thought I would post here before taking further action.

Anyone had experience like this? Is there a simple way to remove the oil from my gelcoat?

I'm perfectly willing to wait it out if time will take care of the stain.

A complete buffing of the deck is on the to do list as well, but I'm not sure this will resolve this issue, even though I have painted and buffed a few dozen cars and motorcycles over the years.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[witchcraft]

Since you are planning to buff anyhow I suspect this is likely to take care of the issue.
Let us know how you make up.
Fair Winds
Witchcraft

[zeehag]

try mineral spirits

[David M]

Take some acetone to it. It will not damage gelcoat but will do plenty of damage to the teak oil.

[four winds]

I have both on board. I'm still amazed at the parts and supplies on the boat inherited from the previous owner.

I'm thinking I'll try some type of solvent on a small test spot. Just trying to decide what's best.

The original gel coat isn't in too bad shape, so no need to paint yet. Hoping the cautious approach will ensure I don't make a worse mistake than the spill.

Thanks

[four winds]

Originally Posted by zeehag

try mineral spirits

BTW, Zee, I'm going to experiment with the "seawater and neglect" approach as well.

I'm not feeling the love with the varnish stripping task. Don't wish to repeat that work ever.

Took four tries with stripper to remove the finish on one hand rail. That rail is the only thing I have oiled so far. Just as a way to see how the oil behaves.

I don't want grey wood, but I don't want to strip and varnish either unless it lasts for years on end.

May not get what I want, i.e. natural color wood without varnishing each year or oiling each month. Though if forced to choose I would probably use oil. As long as I'm on the boat full time it wouldn't be the end of the world with just the rub rails, hand rails, and companionway frame to keep up.

[cburger]

Cape Ann teak cleaner will remove it very nicely.

[sailorboy1]

I spilled some last year and tried acetone. Didn't work! Maybe if I spent a day on it. I think that if the oil dried you are kind of screwed.

[s/v Jedi]

In the tropics, teak with a thickness of less than 1" needs oiling every 6-12 months. At least, that's what an old salt Brazilian shipwright taught me.

ciao!
Nick.