We had our coping sealed and there are some unsightly drips down our fiberglass shell. Just wondering if xylene is a safe way to take it off the shell.
Xylene safe on fiberglass shell?
- Thread starter LordDunlow
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,789
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
I'm seeing mixed online reviews for using it on fiberglass, so I'd be cautious. If you do try it, do so in a tiny inconspicuous area first. Have you tried a simple Magic Eraser or similar product? Maybe a chemical mixture that we already use in the pool like a 3:1 water/bleach mixture, or perhaps a 5:1 ratio water/muriatic acid? Many pool manufactures also have no problem with using a fine wet/dry sandpaper, something around 1,500 - 2,000 grit.
Maybe someone else with more in-depth chemical experience can confirm if it's safe or if there's another alternative available.
Maybe someone else with more in-depth chemical experience can confirm if it's safe or if there's another alternative available.
- May 23, 2015
- 24,403
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Xylene is a very powerful solvent and not at all something you want to mess around with without a good pair of chemical resistant gloves. Before using that, I would try acetone first (get it pure from the hardware store paint section, DO NOT use nail-polish remover). I have cleaned fiberglass door frames using acetone to remove oils and fingerprints. If that doesn’t work, then you can try xylene but, as Pat says, do it in an inconspicuous spot first...
Fiberglass is typically finished with acrylic, which can be dissolved with xylene. The biggest risk is probably color loss at the application site.
What exact sealer was used?
What exact sealer was used?
I am reviving this old thread because I just had my stamped concrete deck sealed again. I had major drips down the top of my fiberglass pool above the water line. I used acetone, (the kind you get at the hardware store, not fingernail polish remover), and it worked great. I used a cottonball pad, it removed really easy. Some of the acetone got into the water, I just brought it up to shock level, brushed above the waterline, then backwashed. I had a problem years ago with this and questioned using xylene, I cant remember what I used back then. From my research acetone was okay on fiberglass. Hope this helps anyone with a fiberglass pool!
