Stripping paint from fiberglass

Discussion in 'Materials' started by jonvei, Jul 29, 2010.

  1. jonvei
    Joined: Jul 2010
    Posts: 4
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Nova Scotia

    jonvei New Member

    I have a open 16ft boat that i will be converting to a bass/fishing boat. i will have to remove the old rotten wood in the transom and fiberglass over the new plywood, along with adding consoles and a transom well/platform to stand on while fishing. i was wondering what is the best method for removing the paint on the existing fiberglass where i will have to attach the new fiberglass. i read about stripping it with paint stripper but was wondering if it is safe to use on the existing fiberglass, or can i use a particle blaster that i have with my pressure washer using a media that wont destroy the fiberglass ?


    [​IMG]
     
  2. akcrabslayer
    Joined: Jul 2010
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: WA

    akcrabslayer New Member

    The only way i have found to remove paint from fiberglass is grind it off,i use a soft backed 8" pad with an 80 grit disc for big jobs,an a little 4" pad for hard to get at spots.
     
  3. CDK
    Joined: Aug 2007
    Posts: 3,324
    Likes: 148, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 1819
    Location: Adriatic sea

    CDK retired engineer

    Use an alkaline paint stripper like Hempel 99540, let it do it's work, then blast the old paint away with your pressure washer and the grit gun.
    Use plenty of water to remove all the stripper residue and degrease with acetone.
     

  4. ondarvr
    Joined: Dec 2005
    Posts: 2,932
    Likes: 579, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 506
    Location: Monroe WA

    ondarvr Senior Member

    Strippers do work, check the products in your area, the label should say if its safe to use on fiberglass/gel coat.
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.