Old paint removal

[Lift12]

Greetings All.

My boat is a 1989 Sea Ray 270 Amberjack. I'm afraid do not have any properly formatted photos to show but I will work on that if it becomes important.

The previous owner banished the original forest green colour scheme with the exception of the cockpit dashboard. Said green dash is now chipping away in places revealing smooth white gel coat beneath. I would like to remove this paint while preserving the finish below, if possible.

What products or processes should I employ?

Many thanks,

P

 

[harringtondav]

Acetone will dissolve almost any finish - except gel coat and cured epoxies. This will be good if it works on your old paint - unless it's a two part epoxy or catalyzed finish.
When I strip furniture I soak rags in acetone and lay or wrap them on the old finish. It takes a lot of rags and acetone, but it softens the old finish. With repeat fresh rags and more acetone it will remove the finish. Xylol is also good, as well as lacquer thinner. You can find acetone gallons relatively cheap in big box DIY stores.Same for the other chemicals.

 

[Lift12]

Thank you. I will give acetone a try.

 

[chevymaher]

The finish underneath is gone or they wouldn't have painted it. It has to be sanded and buffed. It will be beautiful when your done.