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 Cleaning rub rail with M.E.K.
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/02/2010 :  06:38:33  Show Profile
A big thanks to Scott Bond for sharing what he uses to clean the rub rail. I used to struggle with this on a previous C25. Apparently I wasn't using correct product - as yesterday (with minimal effort) I made the rub rail on the current boat look new in about an hour using MEK.

My boat maintenance routine just got substanially easier!!!

Edited by - OJ on 05/02/2010 09:27:42

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2010 :  10:11:35  Show Profile  Visit delliottg's Homepage
What he said. I no longer use MEK after learning how nasty it is. I was occupationally exposed to it when I was in my twenties with no idea how bad it was for us. Now just getting it on my hands I get an instant taste of garlic in my mouth. I'd rather use acetone, and work a bit harder. It's not so good for you either, but not as bad as MEK.

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2010 :  10:14:13  Show Profile
Thanks and you both bring up an excellent point. We used a low profile work platform so the rub rail (and MEK fumes) were above our breathing zone. The admiral even insisted on thicker kitchen gloves as opposed to typical latex.


Edited by - OJ on 05/02/2010 10:20:45
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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2010 :  13:42:29  Show Profile
When I posted the rub-rail cleaning with M.E.K I also said to use hand protection. Acetone will work just as good but has a faster evaporation rate. As with any chemicals, Use common sense. Basically as you found out, The chemical melts or dissolves the outer layer of the vinyl exposing the clean under surface. I also said to keep the rag very wet. If the rag starts to drag and become sticky then its not wet enough. Enjoy the new looking rub-rail!

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Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2010 :  14:01:17  Show Profile  Visit Peregrine's Homepage
<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font size="2"><font color="navy">I have been using Armor-all with relative success.
One caveat is not to get on anything else it will strip wax off if it drips on the hull.</font id="navy"></font id="size2"></font id="Comic Sans MS">

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