Removing paint from fiberglass - How?

[Iron E]

Originally Posted by advgaia

Do you use a primer coat over the unknown paint before topside?

Your primer needs to be compatible with the paint you use.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by advgaia

Do you use a primer coat over the unknown paint before topside?

No me.

I'm mainly trying to protect the balsa core and am not worried about having a perfect paint job.

I usually touch up the deck and cockpit every year or so.

Sometimes I use this:

https://www.jamestowndistributors.co...t-detail/63384

but dirt and dust collect in the low spots so you have to scrub the deck or repaint lightly with regular topside paint.

[Don C L]

Not sure if this will help but...I am in the long process of removing old layers of paint from my fiberglass boat. First, are you SURE you need to remove it completely? If it was done well and shows good adherence all around, it's not flaking off anywhere, then sanding until it is all smooth should be fine. If, as it is in my case, the previous owner put a few layers of durable paint on a questionable preparation then, the solution that has worked best for me, is, believe it or not, a sharp chisel to scrape the layers off. The chisel, if you are careful, can get under the paint and leave the gelcoat. I tried various paint removers and that didn't work on the paint the boat had, and if the paint remover was strong enough to remove the paint it was also strong enough to damage the gelcoat.

[advgaia]

Originally Posted by Don C L

If it was done well and shows good adherence all around, it's not flaking off anywhere, then sanding until it is all smooth should be fine. - "and if the paint remover was strong enough to remove the paint it was also strong enough to damage the gelcoat".

My deck paint is chipped throughout. The molded non-skid is pretty much exposed due to chipping/flaking, ect. It's very ugly and needs some attention, for certain.

[Don C L]

Oh... paint over the molded non-skid..ugh ... well then I recommend a high pressure washer first. It is pretty remarkable how much those can remove. A wire brush may help too.

[SuW]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Oh... paint over the molded non-skid..ugh ... well then I recommend a high pressure washer first. It is pretty remarkable how much those can remove. A wire brush may help too.

Kiwigrip does a nice job over molded non-skid. You can add a nice texture to it too with a nylon texture roller.

Do not use on a day with high humidity or the little peaks will flatten.

Use tape around the edges of the area, and remove the tape immediately or the Kiwigrip will pull off untidily.