Re: proper way to strip gelcoat
I will be re-gelcoating my project boat (1981 Sea Ray) and although I haven't done it yet, I have done a LOT of reading, especially here on iboats. Here's what I've learned and plan on putting into practice:
1) You likely do not have to take off all the old gel coat. Get the dead stuff off and get rid of any spider cracks. If there are any major cracks, investigate the cause so you can fix any structural problems.
2) Do not use a circular sander, and definitely not 24 grit (that's grinder class). Yes, it will take it off and in a big hurry. I've been told by experts you will never get the gel coat off without deep scratches and gouges in the fiberglass or remaining gel coat with a disc sander. I played with my 7" sander/grinder with 80 and 120 grit and could not do it without the scratches and gouges. Experts have also said you will get a wavy, uneven surface if you use a disc sander.
3) Use a random orbit sander. Try 80 grit, but go to 120 grit if you are getting marks.
4) Outside corners will sand off easier, so you have to be careful around these. You may need to do hand sanding on these spots and for inside curves and corners as well.
5) Go down to bare fiberglass where you need to fiberglass something new onto that part of the boat. The new fiberglass doesn't like to stick to gel coat.
6) Use fairing compound (you can make your own or buy it) to fix imperfections in the surface.
7) Final sanding should be 80 or 120 grit.
8) Read a lot here on iboats before you start.
Hope this helps. Good luck...
