Deck Paint Removal Questions

indyfiero

Cadet
Joined
Aug 15, 2016
Messages
18
Boat:1984 Mark Twain 210 Escape

So at some point in this boats life a PO painted everything above the belt line a cream color. Its rolled on and looks passable from 30ft away but since I bought this boat as a restoration project, I'd like to remove the paint and go back to whatever was originally under there.

What is the best way to go about this? Chemical stripper? Wet sanding? I assume they used some kind of marine paint, but I'm not really sure, it could be Rustoleum for all I know. Looks like they even painted over the vinyl decals too.

If I use a paint stripper, what are the chances that I'm going to be able to get it down to the gelcoat and polish it back to a shine? Am I better of just scuffing it up and trying to paint over it. Would stripper ruin any vinyl underneath?
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,210
Try chemical strip, however the decals are toast
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,930
chemicals won't hurt the underlying gelcoat. Have you checked the boats "BONES"?
 

indyfiero

Cadet
Joined
Aug 15, 2016
Messages
18
Bones are surprisingly good. Nothing of concern there, she was a marina queen for most her life according to the PO and taken pretty good care of. Someone just didnt enjoy the 1980s decals and burgandy/brown paint scheme.

Any recommendations for chem stripper?
 

mickyryan

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 18, 2016
Messages
4,216
if you are going to repaint it , try pressure washer sand blaster it barely dents the gelcoat but removes paint fast mtm is the brand i used , and used dry sand from home depot, yep it has silica in it but because you are using with water there is no dust, i did around 7 coats off my boat bottom in about 5 hrs total :)
 
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