TOPIC: Paint Removal

Just thinking about things to do once the weather abates.

A previous owner painted the bow deck of my boat blue. Is there something that will remove the paint without ruining the gel coat? I would rather not have to redo the gel coat if possible. Any non-destructive paint removers?

To see the boat look here http://www.fiberglassics.com/glassic-forums/2-main-forum/52364-just-bought-a-1972-sea-ray.html

I've heard good things about "Citri-Strip" (sp ?) avail at the home supply stores Ike. It's in an orange jug, in the paint supplies section, and reportedly does not produce all the toxic fumes normally associated with this type of product. I'd still try it on a small spot first, and wouldn't leave it on any longer than you have to......? I think that's what Gil GT-160 used on his CV-21 project, maybe he'll chime in here as well.

Good luck with it, please let us know how it goes.

I've used the environmentally safe(r) version of Peel Away. Depending on the paint, that does a decent job without a lot of the fumes. If it is brush out of a can, that seemed to work well. If it is professionally applied automotive or marine paint, maybe not so well. Good Luck.

Thanks. I'll go take a look at them and see if they would work.

Citri-strip works great , totally gel-coat safe , i stripped my CV21 with just about a gallon of the stuff, you just have to let it work . You can get it at Home Depot , the stuff smells just like Tang lol . Dont ever use ANY paint remover with Methylene Chloride , it will turn gel-coat into runny snot if it stays in contact with bare gel-coat .