Stripping old paint off of old fiberglass?

Feb 6, 2013
437
Hunter 31 Deale, MD
What paint stripper can I use for this? It's the back side, not the gelcoat side.

Thanks.
 
Jun 29, 2010
1,287
Beneteau First 235 Lake Minnetonka, MN
There is also 80 grit...... for the stubborn parts.
 
Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
in my opinion, which may not be "environmentally" correct, is to use the harshest stuff money can buy, because it works the quickest.
but not all paints can be removed with paint stripper, epoxy and most urethanes are impervious.
I have used all types and brands of strippers and some work better than others, but I have not found any "consumer quality" brand that harms fiberglass, wood or metal.... im not saying that if you were to submerge your fiberglass or wood boat in the stuff and let it soak for a couple days that all would be fine, but to paint or spray the stripper on and let it work for several hours, wont do any harm at all.

and after applying the stripper in sufficient quantity and letting it do its work , a hot pressure wash for the boat will remove all the paint.... and then one for yourself:biggrin:
 
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arf145

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Nov 4, 2010
495
Beneteau 331 Deale, MD
Since IH said it was the back side, I was thinking inside work, and I wouldn't want to be trapped inside with any of the super strippers--you'd actually be able to feel your brain cells dying. The citrus stuff I've used (on wood and the like) I got at Home Depot. It clings to surfaces because it's like a gel. Goes on with a brush and you wait at least 15 minutes.
 
Feb 6, 2013
437
Hunter 31 Deale, MD
Thanks all. I think centerline has best answered my question that comsumer strength stripper won't harm fiberglass. Naturally I'll start with the milder stuff and work my way up to get the necessary results.

I won't be working in confined quarters because I'll removed the project area from the boat. I will most likely be working in my garage with the doors open.

Thanks again.
 
Nov 6, 2006
10,058
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Be VERY careful with the fumes! I lost a friend to stripper fumes (no, not that kind of stripper!).. have a way to get forced ventilation.. like a fan.. if you are using one of the stronger ones.
 

Gunni

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Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
Most of these products generate fumes that are heavier than air, so they will accumulate in your boat unless you extract them, and have an air flow to bring in O2. You are effectively working in a confined space, a potentially lethal situation. Vapors affecting your CNS and oxygen levels dropping to levels that bring on unconsciousness.