Name removal (paint)

[eckcn17]

Hi!

Just wondering what the best method/products for removing the painted on name on my boat. It is a 1987 and the gel-coat is white. The name is multi-colored and is painted on.

I will be using a decal for the new name.


Thanks again as always for the help.

Chris

[arf145]

I had the same situation a few years back. I used citrus-type paint remover, which removed the paint fine and didn't seem to hurt the gelcoat--I rinsed it off thoroughly. Since the name had been on there a long time protecting the gelcoat, it did leave a ghost of better gelcoat behind.

[DrB]

I have heard that works too on some paints. I would test in a small area first.

DrB

[Bilgewater]

I have used easy-off oven cleaner in the past and it works very well. However, as previously pointed out it will leave behind a ghost of newer gel coat. But in my case, once the new lettering was applied it's not really that noticeable from a short distance and I was pleased with the overall result. Try it on one letter to begin with to see if your happy with the result.

[Silvio]

+1 for the easy off. Used it on 8 year old painted on name and it worked well. Left a ghost of brighter gel coat but that will fade in time. Let it sit and work for 10-15 minutes and the paint should wipe off with a paper towel. Rinse well when done. Wear gloves and eye protection is a good idea.

[dennismenace111]

To remove the ghost of the old name in Gel Coat,,,,wet sand with progressively finer sand paper starting with 600 and going as fine as you can go...then get the rubbing compound...it can be brought back to life with some elbow grease....

[MarkofSeaLife]

I used my girlfriend.

It took hours and she used a lot of fiberglass polish. But she finally got it off by dinnertime. It must have been fun because I heard lots of girly screams.




I hate late meals


Good luck.


Mark

[Faster]

Another gelcoat-friendly stripper is 'Aqua Strip', available on-line. We used it to remove old chalky hull stripes. It's a gel so it doesn't run off the vertical surfaces while you give it time to work.

[blt2ski]

I used a combo of Goof Off, and a fine plastic 000 steel wool equal. Goof Off is a petrol based paint/oil type cleaner. Fingernail polish is another option.

Marty

[sawingknots]

lacquer thinner works very well and fast,just wash imediately with soap water