Can paint stripper be used to remove paint from gelcoat?

[mrcrsr]

Will paint stripper damage gelcoat? I have a customer's boat that someone painted over the gelcoat. Thanks!

[99fxst99]

Ditzler used to make a stripper for using on Corvette bodies. Haven't needed it for a while so I don't know if it's still out there but it would remove the paint without harming the gelcoat

[XstreamVking]

It's tricky to use any chemical stripper on glass. Chance of it damaging the gell and resin too if left on too long. Some of the citrus based stuff might work on enamel or laquer. . But if the paint is imron or any two part it will not cut it. Tal strip is an old standby, as is aircraft stripper. Sometimes sanding off is the best procedure. I have used this...https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/kle...8aAtdFEALw_wcB

[DanUmbarger]

I used regular paint stripper from Home Depot to strip some metalflake paint from the hull on my restore job and it didn't seem to hurt the gelcoat...although I did sand it all down so I could reflake the boat. I only left it on long enough to bubble up the paint then I scraped it off and washed it down with acetone which may have saved the gel and glass. I did hear after the fact that the citrus stripper is better.

[GIL_CV21]

Citri strip won't touch gel coat no matter how long it's left on . Don't use any stripper with methlylene chloride , that stuff will attack gel coat

[tunnels]

Citri strip won't touch gel coat no matter how long it's left on . Don't use any stripper with methlylene chloride , that stuff will attack gel coat

methlylene chloride it not only attachés the gel coat it also eats the resin in you laminate !!

[mrcrsr]

Citri strip didn't appear to do anything to it

[XstreamVking]

You are working with a two part paint/primer. Even the aircraft stripper will have a hard time with it. Sanding it off may be the best procedure.

[mrcrsr]

I'm trying not to damage the gel under it, but sanding might be the only way unfortunately

[XstreamVking]

Break the surface with some 80 grit then change to 150 for most of it, and finally hit it with 220 to finish up. Using a D/A sander. That way it's ready to survey and repair any damage.