The Boating Forum - cleaning stainless

I have stainless steel bow rails that have some rust and stains on them.

What is the best way to clean them?

can I use a scotch brite pad?

will bar keeper's friend work?

i use a baking soda * white vinegar mix....almost like a paste.

works well :)

I wouldn't use any abrasive stuff on them.

Collinite Metal wax it's the only thing I use. Comes in a brown bottle at Westmarine.

Bar Keepers Friend.

I use Woody wax. It can be applied and rubbed off immediately for light stains or left on for days or a week for heavier stains. Woody Wax also makes a sealer for use after the cleaning. Both come in a 'kit' that includes a brass scouring pad and an applicator.
Woody wax works well on decks too. It is expensive.

If you can find it, buy it.

Shurhold buff magic. Just did mine an they look great! Put it on buff with power buffer and a good quality wool pad. Then finish removing the residue with a microfiber cloth. Nothing better PERIOD!:thumbsup:

You can buy the 3M cleaner on line in the 3M store.

Joe

This!
I use Woody wax. It can be applied and rubbed off immediately for light stains or left on for days or a week for heavier stains. Woody Wax also makes a sealer for use after the cleaning. Both come in a 'kit' that includes a brass scouring pad and an applicator.
Woody wax works well on decks too. It is expensive.

Got enough choices yet? How about Fliz metal polish? Or just any chrome/ stainless steel polish from the auto parts store.

I would only use that scotch brite pad on serious rust. You don't want to scratch it up any more than it already is.

flitz x2

I like NEVER DULL. I've used it for years & years...never fails to remove light to moderate rust stains & other stains. Pull a decent size chunk of material out of the can (Be sure to wear latex gloves...this stuff will sneak up on ya! Your hands will be all dried out the next day if you use it longer than 15 - 20 minutes without protection) and just rub it on the rails, or any stainless steel, chrome, etc., the worse the stain, the harder you rub.

It will dry quickly, leaving a whitish haze like wax...just wipe that off with a microfiber towel & look at the brilliant shine! You can always apply a coat of wax for added protection after that, but, I think the ND has a wax like ingredient already added to the cloth. Also, the cloth (More like chemical saturated cotton) is re-usable until it's just too black & dried out, but, you'll get alot of use from just one can...about $12.00, last time I bought it...maybe it was $10.00???

I like NEVER DULL. I've used it for years & years...never fails to remove light to moderate rust stains & other stains. Pull a decent size chunk of material out of the can (Be sure to wear latex gloves...this stuff will sneak up on ya! Your hands will be all dried out the next day if you use it longer than 15 - 20 minutes without protection) and just rub it on the rails, or any stainless steel, chrome, etc., the worse the stain, the harder you rub.

It will dry quickly, leaving a whitish haze like wax...just wipe that off with a microfiber towel & look at the brilliant shine! You can always apply a coat of wax for added protection after that, but, I think the ND has a wax like ingredient already added to the cloth. Also, the cloth (More like chemical saturated cotton) is re-usable until it's just too black & dried out, but, you'll get alot of use from just one can...about $12.00, last time I bought it...maybe it was $10.00???

ever try the never dull on aluminum, like on the t-top?

Collinite Metal wax it's the only thing I use. Comes in a brown bottle at Westmarine.


By far the best you will use. Those stains can be tough but this stuff really works.

If you spray and shammy the rail after each use the tarnish will not come back. When I was younger I used to bust my but twice a season rubbung my rails back to life. I've had the same boat for four seasons now and haven't polished the rail yet. It get's shammied every trip though.

ever try the never dull on aluminum, like on the t-top?

I used never-dull & mothers on heavily oxidized truck rims....they were factory polished so I dont know what effect it will have, if any on anodized aluminum.

the never-dull & mothers were a great combination to get the rims back to a highly polished state.