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Gel coat safe stripper?

Matts94z28

Matts94z28

Active member
I'm considering stripping the red off of my boat in hopes that the original white and pink gel is in decent condition. The previous owner painted the boat with a cheap single stage purely because he did not like the color.

I'm sure I could take a da to it and strip it with 400/800/1500 process and top it off with a good cut and buff ( I am half owner of a mobile detailing company). However, that would probably take 20-30 hours at minimum.

Has anyone used MEK on a gel surface? What are your thoughts?

If it comes to it, I will just repaint it this winter.
 
there was a resto i read that used a paint stripper but wasnt so good on gel... it caused it to do something, i cant remember.. but they ended up painting...i will look and see if i can find it.. and link to it....
 
Didnt Will30 use a stripper on his restro before he painted. Sorry I dont have a link and I cant remember what effect it had on the gel coat.
 
Ineed to get over there and rub a spot with some acetone or paint thinner and see what that does. I did find that acetone takes the dye off of the seats and exposes the white/pink covers. I could probably put a gallon in a garden sprayer and have to original interior back. I also found that the rub rail is white as well.

I just hate how shotty the current paint is.
 
I used to restore Corvettes years ago. We used Strypeeze on the fiberglass with no harmful effects to the gelcoat. I'm not sure if the gelcoat on a boat is as tough but I would definitely try it on one. Maybe just get a quart first and try a small spot. It's pretty mild stuff, doesn't really even smell strong. You can get it at house paint stores, It's in a white can with blue lettering.
 
you might want to adjust your time estimate too! By X3 would be a good start! Have Fun & best wishes!:rof:;) :D :bigthumb:
 
There is some orange based stuff I had bought that wont harm fiberglass but it didnt work as fast and I had to use twice and much . I ended up using EZ Strip and it worked very well but where my Gel was rough in spots it kinda ate up the gel . But I was painting mine any ways and took the DA to those small spots and filled them with watertite . If your gel is in decent shape you shldnt really have a problem . Just have to make sure you wipe it all off and dont let it sit in a spot for too long .....
 
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