Has anybody stripped painted graphics from Gelcoat?
 

We are going to strip the painted lightning bolts from the Fountain project, and wondered if anyone had any luck. We would like to just leave the boat white until the painter is ready for it? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

I just did that with my ugly old Fountain last summer. When I bought it it had a big ugly cumball down both sides. We sanded w/600 then 1000 then 1500 and buffed. Worked out pretty well. Give me a sec and I'll post some pics.

BTW it IS getting repainted this year but it doesn't look too bad as is. :rolleyes:

before

after

Sorry, kinda' crappy pics but you get the idea. I wasn't too worried about hammering the gelcoat because I planned on painting it anyway. I don't know what they used for white paint but that sh*t was on and thick!

another. as if it helps...

We have used Easy Off oven cleaner on CARS, in the past. I don't know if it would wreck gel:confused:

Thanks guys. Oven cleaner will trash gel. We had a customer do it. I thought about sanding, but the boats 38' long, and the graphics are down the whole side. I was hoping for a quick fix.

PPG has a striper that wont hurt the gel. cant remember the # right now but im sure any Ditzler automotive supplier could tell you. one thing to keep in mind. depending on the age of the stripes and if it has been stored outside most of its life. you may have some fading and gel color diferances where tha painted stripes are. you may still be abel to see them after they have been removed. it has happened to me many times. good luck, and if you need the product # of the striper i can look it up.

I accidently got some gasket remover on a painted surface and the paint came off. I don't know how it would work on a large scale or if it will damage the gel.