Getting bottom paint off the gelcoat??

[JerseyJim]

I recently repainted the bottom of my aquasport with West Marine CPP Multi-Season Ablative Bottom Paint. I masking taped the edges quite well, and painted away. When I removed the tape I found much to my dismay the evil bottom paint (which will stick to damned near everything) had bled through the masking tape and left a blue stain into the gelcoat. I tried paint thinner, and even went so far as to use west marine's $12-a-can recommended 'MARINE PAINT THINNER' which to me smelled identical to regular paint thinner, and nothing would remove these blue stains...<br /><br />This paint is tough stuff - anyone have any tips to get it off?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Getting bottom paint off the gelcoat??

When all else fails, try Acetone...

 

[jomac]

Re: Getting bottom paint off the gelcoat??

Eek! sounds like time for some wide 3-M stripe tape! mac Hates bottom paint! only thing i've found to remove it is a good DA sander

 

[JerseyJim]

Re: Getting bottom paint off the gelcoat??

tried acetone...no luck there

 

[magster65]

Re: Getting bottom paint off the gelcoat??

Bummer! If acetone didn't get it... <br />If you run out of options put a contrasting stripe around the waterline to hide it. That looks better than just the bottom paint edge anyways. Be sure to use the proper tape (it's blue but I can't remember the name 3M somethin') to avoid a repeat experience. Good luck