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Author	Topic:   Removing polyurethane paint from gelcoat
jamesmylesmcp	posted 04-15-2009 07:25 AM ET (US)         I have two red stripes aft about 10 inches long painted on the gelcoat. The paint is polyurethane, any thoughts on removal?
TransAm	posted 04-15-2009 07:40 AM ET (US)             I do not know of any solvents that will breakdown the polyurethane and leave your gelcoat in tact. I had some excess polyurethane glue on some gelcoat and nothing would budge it. In the absence of such a solvent, I would wet sand the paint off essentially treating it like oxidation. Depending on how thick the paint has been applied, begin with 600 grit (400 if it is really thick) and use it to break down the paint just shy of the gelcoat. Move progressively up to 1,500 grit where all the paint should be gone and then use compound on the area with a good wax to follow. If you are not familiar with wet-sanding, practice some first. It is not difficult to sand through the gelcoat, but if done with appropriate technique, very little gelcoat will be removed.
jamesmylesmcp	posted 04-15-2009 08:06 AM ET (US)             Thanks,I threw this out there as today thusfar I'm not sore all over (yet) ! Ever hopeful for an easy way out. The last few days have been of contorting this 6'6" frame into places it doesn't belong.
jamesmylesmcp	posted 04-15-2009 01:45 PM ET (US)             The strip is now GONE ! Thanks

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