Stripping Paint from Fiberglass?

[quinnf]

Previous owner of my Mako 17 painted the bottom with some kind of enamel. Used a roller to apply. Looks ugly and I'd like to replace. Any suggestions as to how to strip it off without damaging the gelcoat?

 

[braindead0]

Re: Stripping Paint from Fiberglass?

I think I'd try some non-toxic orange based paint stripper (on an inconspicous area first of course).

 

[timothyl]

Re: Stripping Paint from Fiberglass?

I recently used a product called "peel-away 7". I bought if for $47 a gallon and it is a remarkable product. I strips paint and varnish off wood and fibreglass and is water soluable (Spelling). You apply is with a paint brush, cover it with the wax paper supplied, and scrape off the waste with a plastic scraper, using a tooth brush for any tough spots. It WILL NOT harm gel coat of fibreglass.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Stripping Paint from Fiberglass?

You can try some solvents too like acetone and toluene (lacquer thinner). They won't hurt the gelcoat either.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[quinnf]

Re: Stripping Paint from Fiberglass?

Thanks, guys for the suggestions. I'll give the Peel-Away a try. I tried lacquer thinner but it's so volatile, it doesn't hang around long enough to soften the paint. On horizontal surfaces, I could soak a rag in it, but would have to turn boat over for that!

 

[timothyl]

Re: Stripping Paint from Fiberglass?

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Stripping Paint from Fiberglass?

do a search on boat flippin, its easy if you have space, friends and about a dozen old "tyres"<br /><br />hmmmm<br /><br />I wonder if duct tape could hold a rag up long enough to soften paint before the tape itself got eaten thru by the stripper?