Cleaning foggy sails?

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AWD_Tiger
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Joined: 04/26/2018 - 15:50
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Cleaning foggy sails?

I have a couple sails where the monofilm window is foggy/cloudy. Is it possible to restore the clarity of the monofilm?

I have read other forums and the suggestions are all over the place, some of which sound like they will damage the sail.

One of the sails was previously used in salt water and is only a couple years old. 2019 I think.

-Clayton

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Re: Cleaning foggy sails?

I don’t know how to clear them but I recommend not storing them wet.

Also while we’re on the subject.
Don’t store your boards wet in its board bag in a hot garage, it can cause osmosis and could delaminate, especially older Starboard boards.

Alan

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webguy
AWD_Tiger
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Re: Cleaning foggy sails?

I would try Armor All 303. I've used it on sails and eva decks. Makes it look like new. The EVA is slippery for a bit, not long. Not sure if it will clear fog, but it is cheap and it provides UV protection.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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AWD_Tiger
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Re: Cleaning foggy sails?

Vinyl fogs when stored wet but clears up out in the next sunny day. I've rolled up wet monofilm sails for ages with no problems. However, the bags will mildew if you leave them stacked and wet.

Salt can be cleaned off with vinegar/water. Scratches and UV damage? If 303 doesn't work (don't try regular Armorall as I understand it attacks the glue in the seams), you'll have to live with it. Salt and sand make a fine abrasive and that can cloud stuff - not pretty but get the sail wet and it doesn't look as bad. If it's UV damage cloudy, your sail's days are numbered. Go ahead and get the clear Gorilla tape because the panels will be fragile.

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AWD_Tiger
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Re: Cleaning foggy sails?

Note: I had forgotten that 303 and Armor All are not the same thing - you need 303.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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AWD_Tiger
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AWD_Tiger
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Re: Cleaning foggy sails?
moredownhaul wrote:

Also while we’re on the subject. Don’t store your boards wet in its board bag in a hot garage, it can cause osmosis and could delaminate, especially older Starboard boards.

Good to know, thankfully I’m almost always to lazy to stuff my board back in the bag for the trip home.

Thanks for the advice everyone, it seems my newer sails just have some salt grime on them. I’ll keep 303 in mind for future use though.

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webguy