Paint Over Gelcoat Pealing

[Outrage-19]

Hi All,

I havn’t been on this forum for a while but I’m picking up an old 19’ Runabout (I think it’s a Galaxy) and It needs your advice and my mussels. Some one has painted over the gelcoat and done a bad job of it so it’s pealing. I plan to strip off the paint and if the gelcoat is in good shape wax it up and make it look good. If the gelcoat is not good I’ll sand, prime, and paint. My question is, can I power wash the flaking paint off or will that damage the gelcoat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Paint Over Gelcoat Pealing

can I power wash the flaking paint off

Ayuh,.... Sure Can.....

will that damage the gelcoat.

Nope,.... Shouldn't hurt a thing....

 

[Outrage 19]

Re: Paint Over Gelcoat Pealing

Thanks Bond-o when it warms up enough to brake out the power washer thats what I'll do.

BTW I apologize for the different screen name I found I have 2 logins so I wanted to see which one I used more.

 

[flashback]

Re: Paint Over Gelcoat Pealing

you might also try some chemical remover on the tough spots. be careful tho, some will harm gel and some will not.. one that I know works pretty good is peel away...

 

[jdooner]

Re: Paint Over Gelcoat Pealing

Ooooh...I just spent a couple hours with a pressure washer trying to get the paint off the bottom of my boat. Not much luck, looks like I'm going to have to sand. This paint was rolled on thick with a lot of runs and bumps..no, I didn't paint it. The guy who gave it to me did. One thing I've found out for sure is....Free boats..aren't! Hope you have better luck, it's worth a try.
jd

 

[wewefirex2x]

Re: Paint Over Gelcoat Pealing

Outrage -19 and idooner: I used peel away marine strip, it took two layers of bottom paint off and removed the repainted bootstipe. Be careful because it will also remove decal if not cautious.

 

[Outrage 19]

Re: Paint Over Gelcoat Pealing

Thanks for the input y’all. jdooner your right their is no such thing as a free boat. My list of things to do goes something like this

Boat
Strip peeling paint
Address any gelcoat conditions
Check out steering and outboard controls
Remove windshield
Construct hard top
Install Tach and volt meter
Install seats

Outboard
Check compression
See if outboard runs
Clean carburetors
Replace water pump anyway
Replace lower unit gear oil

Now I need the temperature to rise so I can get started.