Why is my royalex canoe sticky? How do i fix it?

Category: Canoe Questions

In storage, Royalex boats sometimes develop mildew on them. Also, Royalex boats have been known to have processing oils migrate up out of the plastic when exposed to repeating cycles of temperature extremes. These oils were in the plastic solely to aid in the original manufacture of the Royalex sheet. Losing them actually makes the Royalex tougher. The following procedure gives good results for both causes of sticky Royalex:

  1. DO THIS PROCEDURE EITHER OUTDOORS OR IN A VERY WELL VENTILATED AREA.
  2. Wipe the sticky surface with denatured alcohol. This type of alcohol can usually be bought at a paint supply store, and may be marked as painter’s alcohol, ethyl alcohol or denatured alcohol. DO NOT use rubbing alcohol.
  3. Use rubber or latex gloves. Saturate a soft cloth with the alcohol and wipe using fairly long even strokes. Turn the cloth often so as not to use the same area over and over. The alcohol will evaporate quickly so you will not have to wipe dry.
  4. If you still have some sticky areas, just wipe over again.

CAUTION: These alcohols are extremely poisonous if ingested. Please store them in a safe place away from children.