Sails need brightening.

[dakk1]

The old sails need brightening up. I have an empty 55 gal drum I could use for soaking. Any homemade formulas you guys use?

Dave

 

[tommays]

Re: Sails need brightening.

I would be a bit caefull and talk to a sailmaker as we dont want to more harm than good

I have never done more than hose off the salt and be sure there dry when stored

tommays

 

[dakk1]

Re: Sails need brightening.

Uh Oh. You mean that time I soaked them in a weak solution of oxalic acid probably wasn't a good idea?:^ Then there was the time I made a real weak "whitewash" and painted them. Actually, that seemed to work pretty good maybe I'll try that again.
I've owned this boat and these sails for over 20 years and have really enjoyed it. The sails are a little grey looking but in pretty good shape for their age. North makes some good sails I guess. Hmm. I wonder what a weak solution of chlorine might do?
If I goof up, maybe the wife will buy me some new ones!


Dave

 

[BillP]

Re: Sails need brightening.

When in Ft. Laud, Fl years ago a broker friend told me how the pros clean sails. On his recommendation, I sent 5 really dirty sails to a commercial laundry and they came back looking like new. Price was charged by the pound and cheap. The guys that drive those trucks around with bags on the roof are the ones I used...only commercial cleaners have facilities large enough to spread sails out. For some reason this info never seems to be well known with the John Q.Public sailor guy. I tried my local neighborhood cleaner for the same service and he didn't have a clue.

 

[jimfj]

Re: Sails need brightening.

Sent my sails to Sailcare. They came back looking very close to new. Highly reccomend. Not too expensive either. Call them and they will quote.

Sailcare puts the resin back in the fabric making them crisp again.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Sails need brightening.

The risk in using any chemicals is the thread may deteriorate quickly.

 

[DGalt]

Re: Sails need brightening.

The guy above is right. I wouldn't use anything that's too abrasive (chlorine for example )

If it's not something you can't get out with some soap and some good ol' fashion elbow grease then I'd say send them off to someone that knows what he's doing. Every couple years we have our sails looked at / cleaned / repaired by someone who is in the business, and it's well worth the money