Has anyone come across a product that will rejuvenate sail panels? I have tried a few, including Armorall, PlastX (a headlight cleaner/restorer product from Meguiars), vinegar, toothpaste, car polish etc.

PlastX seems to do the best job, but the "fix" is short-lived. A degree of clarity is restored, but the panels don't regain their suppleness and flexibility; they sound and feel like cellophane and ready to shatter. I guess I need a sail "moisturiser".

The sail I am working on is a much-loved 7 y.o. Naish, which has had heaps of use both in fresh and salt water, so realistically I cannot expect to restore it to new condition. But, it would be satisfying to bring it back to some semblance of its former beauty.

(I recall that Choko published a post on this topic quite a few years ago, but cannot find it)

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I use Vuplex to spruce up my sails. It removes the salt and other deposits without hurting the plastic. It was recommended to me by a guy who made boat canopies with clear panels. It can be purchased at Bunnings so here is the link...
www.bunnings.com.au/our-range

Your sail may be a bit beyond restoration if the sun has got to it, but you have to try. Good luck

Mr Sheen

Gel gloss will work best to clean and get out small scratches.






Vuplex will only get very minor scratches out.

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sick_em_rex said..
Mr Sheen

See I'm not the only one. Screw all you nay Sayers. Every so often I wash my sails with soapy water then hit them with the Mr Sheen. They look brand new again. My sails are all less than 1 year old though.

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Bristol said..
... they sound and feel like cellophane and ready to shatter.

Once monofilm is at that stage, I didn't think anything would rejuvenate it. ?

I used to use Protectant 303. It protects from UV but also leaves a layer on the sail that helps to clean it and make it look a bit clearer.

you can get it from car accessory stores.

Thanks for the tips, fellow breezers; appreciated.

Mr. Sheen did improve panel clarity. But still the problem with feeling brittle. If I come across something that solves that, I'll let you know.

Hello, Bristol,

From your description, I think the UV damage is too great and you may be struggling to overcome the brittleness.

As W4W says, Aerospace Protectant 303 works best for me and I've been using it for years. I still have a (bought new) 2009 Hellcat and it's going strong, with no sign of brittleness.

Apply the 303 when the sail is brand new, then apply in March (when the sailing's almost over) and September (when the sailing's about to start again).

I get the 303 from Autobarn and it's about $25 for the big bottle. This might help advise what it does: https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/303_products/aerospace_protectant. You can also Google for more info.

Hope this helps.

Slightly OT, but what's best product to remove sticker residue?

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sausage said..
Slightly OT, but what's best product to remove sticker residue?

The fastest way is with acetone, but don't get it on the glued seams, as they won't be glued anymore!

When my sails look old, I "rejuvinate" them by buying new sails, works perfectly every time, they always look brand new again and also perform like brand new. Keeps the industry happy too.

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sausage said..
Slightly OT, but what's best product to remove sticker residue?

Saturate the sticker residue with kerosene; leave for 5 minutes and then sprinkle the area with Johnson Baby Powder (or talc powder). Rub the powder over the residue area. The kero softens the sticker residue and the powder absorb the kero and the sticker residue. Rub the powder lightly with a rag to remove. Re-apply the powder and this will identify any remaining sticker residue.

You may need to do repeat this process 3 or 4 times depending on the sticker glue. Finally, wash the area with detergent/water to remove the kero smell.

It is best to do it on the back lawn as the wife may not like the smell of the kero in the house!

This method does not scratch the sail. Don't use acetone, it is dangerous without correct PPE. It is easily absorbed through the skin, enters the bloodstream and is carried to the rest of the body.

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Waiting4wind said..

sausage said..
Slightly OT, but what's best product to remove sticker residue?

The fastest way is with acetone, but don't get it on the glued seams, as they won't be glued anymore!

Hi Snags, Jeez, careful with acetone....maybe try Dissol-V-It orange oil ( Supermarket) or eucalyptus oil....won't damage panels or clears whereas the acetone might well.
Acetone is fat soluble so +1 the PPE advice above.

(PS : Can't you get Hargs back into a real sailing life!!)

I remove sticker residue with a good spray of WD 40 and a wipe

Thanks for the tips guys.
Wazza, I have offered some gear to borrow and he does talk about getting back into windsurfing but I think that's every kiter's dream

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sausage said..
Slightly OT, but what's best product to remove sticker residue?

+1 for desolvit,it's citrus based comes in a spray bottle and works a treat,can get it from Bunnings

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WazzaYotty said..

Waiting4wind said..

sausage said..
Slightly OT, but what's best product to remove sticker residue?

The fastest way is with acetone, but don't get it on the glued seams, as they won't be glued anymore!

Hi Snags, Jeez, careful with acetone....maybe try Dissol-V-It orange oil ( Supermarket) or eucalyptus oil....won't damage panels or clears whereas the acetone might well.
Acetone is fat soluble so +1 the PPE advice above.

(PS : Can't you get Hargs back into a real sailing life!!)

All those products work to a degree but take a lot of 'elbow grease'. Acetone wont damage the film, so if you want fast easy removal it's the product of choice.