Clear coat removal????

[Zklink5150]

I'm currently working on an 87 wellcraft Aruba, the owners just purchased this boat not knowing it had been cleared in some manor. The tragedy is that the previous owner didn't bother to clean the gelcoat of the scumline, black streaks etc, and cleared right over them. What a mess.

They contacted the prev owner who said it was cleared close to ten years ago. The clear is now 10 years old and totally beat. Trying to very gently buff the surface is gumming the surface.

I want to try to remove it somehow but, I'm afraid I might be digging deeper into why it was originally coated.

Any ideas would be helpfull.

 

[Creekwood]

Have your tried stripping it with Acetone or MEK?

 

[Zklink5150]

I'm not familiar with mek... I Raised the bottom paint line dramatically so I had the opportunity to try acetone on a large section. It seemed to just smear and very quickly dry up leaving a very sticky messy surface. after trying multiple applications, I sanded the area and applied the paint.

I know the answer is probably gonna be wet sanding or something. I just hate the thought that I have to try to explain that I can't guarantee it. Once again, I'm nervous about the mystery underneath the cover up.

 

[Spookeay]

You need to sand it.
Get a orbital air sander. NOT A DA. and start sanding it down with 400 dry.

Don't start using chemical strippers.
Unless your familiar with them & fiberglass.
I have seen a lot of boats become a gooey mess.

If you need some help give us call. (256) 404-1330
http://spookeaymarine.info

 

[KatzNDogs]

Media Blasting...Like the way they remove old bottom paint. It's like sand blasting but they can use a variety of media that will remove the paint without damaging or digging holes in the gelcoat.

 

[Creekwood]

MEK is another solvent I think similar to acetone, but I think it has some different properties. I guess if the clear coat was to cover chalky gelcoat you have not much to lose by sanding. I would wet sand though. Dry sanding a sticky finish will just load the paper and you'll spend a fortune on paper.

 

[SCORPIO]

Wait a minute, are you SURE this is a paint type clear coat like automotive clear coat? Could this be a clear ACRYLIC coating like Poly Glo or Vertglass? The fact that you said it smeared with acetone has me thinking its one of the acrylic coatings. They will melt when hit with acetone, laquer thinnger, MEK etc. Try some commercial floor wax stripper on a small area and see if it lifts it. If its acrylic, the stripper will remove it with little effort. From what you've said, is sounds like a worn out application of acrylic that needs to be removed. Please try the commercial floor was remover BEFORE you start sanding!

The floor wax remover won't hurt the gelcoat and if its actually a paint it won't hurt that either. This stuff strip acrylic "waxes".
The junk in the coating makes me think its acrylic too, drag an applicator into the bottom paint and it will track off into the fresh stuff and make a colored smear. I've used Vert Glass and things like that have happened to me. After a few years, you need to strip acrylics and start over. Floor wax remover is the fastest way to do it.

 

[Nehalennia]

...sent it to Spookeay and let her work her magic. That 190 turned out pretty good from what we've seen here.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Wait a minute, are you SURE this is a paint type clear coat like automotive clear coat? Could this be a clear ACRYLIC coating like Poly Glo or Vertglass? The fact that you said it smeared with acetone has me thinking its one of the acrylic coatings. They will melt when hit with acetone, laquer thinnger, MEK etc. Try some commercial floor wax stripper on a small area and see if it lifts it. If its acrylic, the stripper will remove it with little effort. From what you've said, is sounds like a worn out application of acrylic that needs to be removed. Please try the commercial floor was remover BEFORE you start sanding!

The floor wax remover won't hurt the gelcoat and if its actually a paint it won't hurt that either. This stuff strip acrylic "waxes".
The junk in the coating makes me think its acrylic too, drag an applicator into the bottom paint and it will track off into the fresh stuff and make a colored smear. I've used Vert Glass and things like that have happened to me. After a few years, you need to strip acrylics and start over. Floor wax remover is the fastest way to do it.

I agree! Please put a hold on the sanding until you see if floor wax remover works.

 

[Daniel P Thomas]

I agree! Please put a hold on the sanding until you see if floor wax remover works.

AGREE Also
Sounds like a Poly Coating!
Been there and done it.
Commercial Floor Stripper will take it off.
Then wheel, compound and apply polish.
See Scott F for advice!

Dan

 

[Zklink5150]

Hello all- had a trusted knowledgeable gelcoat repair friend of mine have a look. It would appear that it is vertiglass or something comparable. He also said to attempt to use floor stripper. I'll check it out 2maro. Thanks to all and I'll update 2maro pm.