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How to Clean My Boat Moldings That Are Turning Yellow

Many boats include plastic molding or trim pieces around the boat. If the molding pieces are white, they may turn yellow with exposure to the sun and outdoor elements. It is possible to clean the molding and remove the yellowed color from the surface of the plastic. After cleaning the molding, apply a plastic protectant or wax over the molding to prevent yellowing in the future.

Things You'll Need

Fine-grit sandpaper
Powered scrub cleaner
Stiff bristle brush
Towels
Vinyl protective spray
Soft cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the plastic lightly with the fine-grit sandpaper to remove the top layer of plastic.
- 2
  Mix some powered scrub cleaner with water to make a paste. Scrub the cleaner into the plastic with the stiff bristle brush. Add water a little at a time and work it into the brush to create suds.
- 3
  Continue to scrub the molding until it turns white.
- 4
  Rinse the molding with clean water to eliminate the cleaner residue. Dry the molding with a towel to prevent the plastic from mildewing.
- 5
  Spray some vinyl protectant or wax onto the plastic molding pieces. Rub the spray onto the plastic with a soft cloth. The protectant will add a layer of protection over the molding and help prevent yellowing in the future.

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