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Ugly paint mural in need of removal on fiberglass**

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Beauregard, Nov 23, 2014.

  1. Beauregard, Nov 23, 2014
    #1
    Beauregard

    Beauregard New Member

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    I got this ugly painting on the aft portion of my vessel. (please see attached) I am looking to restore the fiberglass to the original gelcoat. I understand by just painting it white may look like garbage in the end.

    What would you do in order to get ride of this mural? I'd rather do this the less costly approach.

    Thanks!

    Attached Files:

  2. AMG, Nov 23, 2014
    #2
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    If you are lucky it will go away with just rubbing..?
  3. Capt Ralph, Nov 23, 2014
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Is that on a fiberglass bulkhead or on a real sliding glass (safety) door or panel?
    If it's fiberglass; I'd try plastic razor blades, oven cleaner, painters hand cleaner.
    I had some bad luck with fiberglass paint remover, it did damage the gel finish. If you go there, pratice on small spots several times and I'd still keep the work area small.
    Good luck.
  4. SeaEric, Nov 23, 2014
    #4
    SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    +1 on the oven cleaner. Use the old original full strength Easy-Off heavy duty stuff. Forget the "fume free" low dose version as it won't work.
  5. CaptTom, Nov 25, 2014
    #5
    CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

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    That's a Silverton so the wall is probably a formica veneer over plywood. You can remove the formica and replace it. If you do, thoroughly check the wood for moisture and replace while open. Those walls and the side triangles especially tend to wick up water that rots the non-marine grade wood.
  6. Capt Ralph, Nov 25, 2014
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Formica??
    Plastic razor blade and a rum, maybe two....
    I learned a long time ago, not much really sticks to formica, mostly just sits there.
    Pressure washer should probably blow it away but capture the run off some how.
  7. Beauregard, Nov 25, 2014
    #7
    Beauregard

    Beauregard New Member

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    Thanks everyone! I will try a small portion with the high non fume oven cleaner. I will be sure to let you know.
  8. Capt Ralph, Nov 25, 2014
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    If there is a West Marine store or paint supply shop close, You would be amazed what those plastic razor blades can do. If it's really formica, you're done in minutes without a chemical slurry.
  9. Beauregard, Nov 25, 2014
    #9
    Beauregard

    Beauregard New Member

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    Excellent, I will pick a few up this weekend and show the progress..
  10. Beauregard, Nov 30, 2014
    #10
    Beauregard

    Beauregard New Member

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    Ok- I just tried the Oven cleaner and it did work. I also used the plastic razor blade and that also worked good. I am thinking that the material is defiantly formica. This is going to need a base coat to cover mural remains.. image1.JPG
  11. RER, Nov 30, 2014
    #11
    RER

    RER Senior Member

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    1. Sand.
    2. Paint.
    3. Admire Newly Painted Bulkhead.
  12. Capt Ralph, Nov 30, 2014
    #12
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    If it is really formica, the fiberglas paint remover (gel / paste) will work,,, IF it's really formica...
    If you're not 100% positive yet, keep up with what you're doing. Looks like some hardware in the bulkhead that may be an effort to finish around it. If a smooth surface can be found under the paint, may save some finishing time to keep striping.
  13. Beauregard, Nov 30, 2014
    #13
    Beauregard

    Beauregard New Member

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    What is puzzeling is that the top portion seems like the original color comes back, without an issue. The bottom portion, blue...... Not so much....
  14. Capt J, Nov 30, 2014
    #14
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I would just prime and paint it with Awlgrip or something else.