Varnish Removal?

[Hydro Therapy]

I have several spots on top of the cabin near the wood rails and sliding hatch that have varnish droplets on the gelcoat areas. It appears that one or more of the previous owners was rather sloppy when they spruced up the bright work.

I'm rather anal with my boats and would love to get the droplets off. Most of the droplets are on the non skid surface areas.

Any suggestions on how to remove?

Thanks

 

[RichH]

For flat surfaces, use a single edge razor blade held at a very low angle ... 'slice' the drops off.

For in the valleys of non-skid use a metal dental pick or very small flat blade screwdriver, with well sharpened tip to remove the bulk of the drops - by 'scraping'. To remove the 'residuals' in the non-skid, apply a thick layer of paper towels, soak with water and seal with 'saran' wrap for a week or month or more, then use 'cleanser' and a stiff scrubbing brush --- most all 'paints' will lose their adhesion to gelcoat when continually and long term wetted/immersed in water, then scrub the non-skid with cleanser and water and a stiff scrub brush.

Any noticeable scratches or mini-gouges in the gel, usually a few 32nds thick, can be 'sanded' out with 220 —> 1500 grit wet and dry sandpaper, then 'buff'.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Brain salad surgery. Get up close and personal. Only way to do it.