Removal of barnacles safely

[drfish18]

How do you safely remove barnacles from fiber glass without causing any damage?

 

[JB]

Re: Removal of barnacles safely

To Boats.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Removal of barnacles safely

Dry: Get a plastic scraper and a comfortable? creeper. Wear goggles or something so you don't get them in your eyes, and scrape away. <br /><br />Wet and fresh: Spray with bleach, then high pressure wash. They left permanent marks on my boat. If I slip again in salt water (I hope), I'll bottom paint.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Removal of barnacles safely

Gloves, kevlar gloves, like oyster shuckers use. Barnacles are VERY SHARP!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Removal of barnacles safely

wear a mask.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Removal of barnacles safely

they're tough. they sell chemical remover, but i don't know if it actually works. i had one bad experience and learned a big lesson. in the end, i powerwashed first to knock as much off as i could. let dry. then don a tyvek suit, goggles, dust mask, gloves, etc. orbital sander with 80 or 100 grit. grind away until you get to a nice dull white surface. too deep or hard and you'll see black- went through your gelcoat. not a fun thing, but it can be done.

 

[JB]

Re: Removal of barnacles safely

Yup. Do the plastic scraper exercise, then use ZAP or other calcium/lime dissolver like Barkeep's friend to remove the last bits.<br /><br />There shouldn't be any clue that they were ever there.

 

[jch7450]

Re: Removal of barnacles safely

Yep plastic scaper, the we use a product called ON @ OFF works great

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Removal of barnacles safely

I second the use of "On Off".It is without a doubt the most effective.Second choice is toilet bowl cleaner.Pressure wash after several minutes.As everyone has stated,wear protection.