Removing hull pinstripes?

[Polar_Bus]

Hi all,
I am going to remove the ratted out pinstripes on my boat, and I was wondering if anyone has some tips to simplify the job. I tried a little heat, but the pinstripes just keep chipping off in small pieces.... thanks,
Rich

 

[LX Kid]

Re: Removing hull pinstripes?

I used a heat gun and a 2" metal putty knife. Beware when scrapeing!! I used a flat file to square the end and deburred both sides. I then layed the putty knife flat against the hull, while heating about six inches ahead at a time, and scraped away the stripes. Took a little experimenting to get the technique down but worked fine for me. Auto stores sell chemicals to remove the stripes also. Ron

 

[redfury]

Re: Removing hull pinstripes?

They also sell a burnishing wheel that will strip it right off the hull without damaging the underlying surface. We used it to get rid of lettering on a lot of old vans we removed from the company fleet and sold cheap.

 

[zach103]

Re: Removing hull pinstripes?

try reds idea.. i used a chisel.. yah it sounds bad i know.. but i went extra slow with it being careful not to scratch it

 

[Polar_Bus]

Re: Removing hull pinstripes?

Thanks for the tips guys,

I tried the "eraser wheel" trick, which did work good, but I noticed the wheel was leaving a yellowish haze on the gel coat after removing the pinstrip so I stopped. I will try a putty knife and more heat and see how that goes...

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Removing hull pinstripes?

I used a pressure washer that heated the water...blew the stripes off both sides in about 10 minutes...

If you know of a car wash that sprays hot water give it a shot..

 

[LX Kid]

Re: Removing hull pinstripes?

Don't get the stripes too hot and don't burn the gel coat. Low heat and not to close or you just melt the stripes and have a mess that sticks to the putty knife. Just enough heat to get it moving and then keep heating about six inches at a time. Don't forget to keep the putty knife squared at the end with no burrs. Ron