Spider Spots: How Do You Remove Them?

02Byerly132 · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 119 City: Chatt town

Hey guys, I've got some spots on my boat where there are some spider droppings. I have tried to wash and even wax them off to no avail. Is there a product that will get rid of these spots? Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Brit Rider · Posted: Jan 08, 2006 4:36 pm Post subject:

02Byerly132, I've never heard of spider droppings... but i guess we all gotta take a dump once in a while!

The best fibreglass cleaner/restorer i have ever come across is called 'fritz' it was reccommended by Bill @ Monster tower to me so props to him on this find...

Google it and order a tube. In my experience it gets rid of everything but is not too abrasive as to make a negative impact on the gel coat.

Great thing is its awesome on metal too so it makes the perfect polish/cleaner for use all round the boat.. try it on your stainless steel - you will be amazed! Very Happy

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

02Byerly132, GET THOSE OFF YOUR BOAT ASAP!!!!!

For those who don't know spider droppings have a high acid content. First they will get into the wax, then gelcoat. And if not taken care of, it can leave stains. I feel your pain, I have to clean that crap off all the time.

Get a Mr. Clean magic eraser. Use water. If they don't come off with water and the Magic Eraser. Use Fantastik cleaner and the Magic Eraser and that should get them off.

Then use 303 Protectant to touch up where you have used Fantastik. Fantastik will take some of the wax off, the 303 will take care of that.

dirtysparks · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 2428

[serious]Is it actual spider poop or is that a term?[/serious] If it is true, I've never seen or heard of spider poo....it would be runny...since they only drink blood?

LightningStrikes · Newbie Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Posts: 8 City: Sacramento

jpk · Outlaw Joined: 07 Aug 2005 Posts: 215 City: Redmond

Are you serious that this is spider droppings, or are you just referring to any particles that have bonded to the gelcoat surface and made it rough?

Fantastic might be too harsh. I would try an automotive clay bar system such as Mother's or Pinnacle, where you spray on some clay lube and then rub off the bonded contaminants with clay.

02Byerly132 · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 119 City: Chatt town

Thanks for all your help. Ans yes I am positive it is spider droppings. However, I am sad to say that I am going to have to have the dealer color sand it out because it happened while I was off at college and was not able to get it out when it happened. But for further use the 'fritz' and/or claybar sounds like a good idea. Once again thanks for all your help.

jpk · Outlaw Joined: 07 Aug 2005 Posts: 215 City: Redmond

Try the clay bar before you go to wet sanding. Wet sanding will reduce the thickness of the gelcoat, and is a pretty drastic step. It might be necessary if you've etched or scratched the surface. But if the contaminents are just bonded to the surface, a clay bar might pull them off.

02Byerly132 · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 119 City: Chatt town

I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow for just general repairs, so I will ask them what they think is the best. But I hope I can clay bar...