Removing paint from Gelcoat
 

I am going to update the graphics on my Shadow cat.The boat is all white except for some painted stripng on the side that is already wearing off.What would be the best way to remove the striping.I was thinking of wet sanding the area.Any suggestions?
Mark

Re: Removing paint from Gelcoat
 

I've used "E-Z Off" oven cleaner-it works great! Spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes-use an abrasive sponge to wipe off, then rinse throughly. Make sure you wipe the E-Z off from the gelcoat while its working on the paint.

Re: Removing paint from Gelcoat
 

I was just going to make that suggestion! I saw the local Fountain dealer taking paint stripes off the hull with oven cleaner. Couldn't believe it, but it worked. He used to paint cars for a living and he did paint some graphics on Fountains, so I guess he knew what he was doing.

Re: Removing paint from Gelcoat
 

wow i have never heard that one

Re: Removing paint from Gelcoat
 

Wish I'd known about that. Would have saved me a lot of work.

Re: Removing paint from Gelcoat
 

Thanks, I had no idea.So you are telling me spray the paint with oven cleaners,let sit and scrub off.But be careful with the unpainted gel.

Re: Removing paint from Gelcoat
 

I've been using this process for about 20 years now to remove old graphics and lettering from boats (it's an old signpainter trick). Make sure you protect anything you dont want removed (such as bottom paint- not the unpainted gelcoat). I prefer a plastic pot scrubber to help break down the paint- an abrasive sponge could scratch your finish. Depending on type of paint and thickness it may take a couple of applications. Wipe the goo off with paper towels- dont rinse until you are finished removing the paint. Sometimes the cleaner will yellow the gelcoat- if this happens, put some bleach on a rag and wipe it over the affected area. Main thing is patience- give the cleaner time to do its thing...