How To Clean A Bronze Boat Propeller

Boat has just been lifted out of the water and the propeller has some barnacles attached and is discoloured ( mottled greyish) - I have seen some perfectly cleaned props and want mine to be the same so wondered what the panels latest suggestions on cleaning materials and techniques to bring it up like new. I will be using the TK spray once I have it clean, but to get there I would welcome some advice. I think it is bronze but could be S/s - cant tell really!!

thanks in anticipation

Mike

spannerman

Well-known member

Joined: 30 Nov 2002

Messages: 2,999

Aluminium wheel cleaner, you can get it in spray bottles at most accessory shops.

Brick cleaner from a DIY store. This must be cleaned off quite quickly after use, as it is acidic, but does the job.

Brick cleaner from a DIY store. This must be cleaned off quite quickly after use, as it is acidic, but does the job.

And never use it on your turbo impellor.....!....Don't ask!!!

Brick cleaner from a DIY store. This must be cleaned off quite quickly after use, as it is acidic, but does the job.

I've just used brick cleaner but I think there are different 'strength' one's on sale maybe? My Swarfega branded one didn't work very well, didn't seem to work effectively and took about 30 different coats to eventually get the rudders clean.
I may be completely wrong and over estimate it's dissolving properties or someone may come along and say such and such a brand is really good and needs a lot less coats.

I've just used brick cleaner but I think there are different 'strength' one's on sale maybe? My Swarfega branded one didn't work very well, didn't seem to work effectively and took about 30 different coats to eventually get the rudders clean.
I may be completely wrong and over estimate it's dissolving properties or someone may come along and say such and such a brand is really good and needs a lot less coats.

Are your rudders bronze? If so they are unusual. Brick cleaner works well on stainless steel and bronze. I would not use it on aluminium props. My rudders are GRP I think, and so I would we the barnacles and scrape them off.

Pinnacle

Well-known member

Joined: 6 Jan 2006

Messages: 5,212

I've just used brick cleaner but I think there are different 'strength' one's on sale maybe? My Swarfega branded one didn't work very well, didn't seem to work effectively and took about 30 different coats to eventually get the rudders clean.
I may be completely wrong and over estimate it's dissolving properties or someone may come along and say such and such a brand is really good and needs a lot less coats.

Try the stuff Wickes sell. Works for us!

Sounds unusual to have grp rudders on a powerboat
All uk shaft drive powerboat manufacturers use bronze as base metal for rudders

AllanG

Well-known member

Joined: 5 Apr 2005

Messages: 1,318

Location: Warsash

I've just done this job three weeks ago, and I used Starbrite Boat Bottom Cleaner on my bronze prop, which dissolved any scale and barnacles with no problem, and I followed this up with a scrub using a green nylon scouring pad. After recommendations on this forum, I've used the TK-Line spray antifoul this year, so will see how this performs when the boat is lifted next October.

thanks very much to all respondents - I have just ordered some Starbright and Alloy cleaner off ebay- will pop into Wickes for some brick cleaner and try them all out.

Nick_H

Active member

Joined: 20 Apr 2004

Messages: 7,663

It varies by brand, cement remover is usually a stronger version of brick/patio cleaner. I've found International "Barnacle Remover" to be the best stuff, but of course being a marine product it's subject to boat added tax.

Angle grinder with wire cup brush. Cleans both sides in about 10 minutes. But you do have to be quite careful, and full goggles are a must.

Then hot air gun and lanolin. Had a few barnacles and a light coat of softish scale after 6 months, unlike the bottom which was smothered in barnacles and sea squirts. Have OB booked with Elessar for copperbot in the Spring to sort the latter problem.

I have seen a good report about Hammerite special metal primer. Apparently this was used as a base for various prop antifoulings, and whereas most did only moderately, the Hammerite primer did really well. It's also pink so looks pretty too.

Dirtyrat

New member

Joined: 17 Dec 2011

Messages: 23

I've just done this job three weeks ago, and I used Starbrite Boat Bottom Cleaner on my bronze prop, which dissolved any scale and barnacles with no problem, and I followed this up with a scrub using a green nylon scouring pad. After recommendations on this forum, I've used the TK-Line spray antifoul this year, so will see how this performs when the boat is lifted next October.

I also use this Boat Bottom Cleaner; it's excellent!
I would (now) go so far as to use an eye mask, air filter mask and gloves, as last time I think I took a year off my life. Lethal stuff!

+1 For brick cleaner

B&Q's own brand works well. Great for cleaning your alloy wheels also but don't leave it on too long.