How to remove paint from gelcoated fiberglass

[Darth Kahnt]

I am currently working on a project and for some weird reason the paint is not taking to the primer well so I am looking at striping it back down to the gelcoat and doing it again.

I used this exact type of paint on two previous projects and had no problems. This time however there were areas where the lightness of the primer showed through, even after three or four sprays. The only difference this time was that I used a different brand of primer. Also the previous projects were not gelcoated, that may have something to do with it.

Anyone have suggestions for removing the paint and primer? It is autobody paint I got from an autobody shop that was thinned to allow it to go through an airbrush. The primer is automotive primer from Canadian Tire. Any and all help appreciated.

 

[yodakiller1138]

Just use an automotive paint stripper. They usually carry them at an auto depot type place. I use some stuff that's in spray cans. After about 10 minutes the paint just bubbles up.

B)

 

[ThermalShock]

Acetone

 

[Darth Kahnt]

Wont acetone eat through the fiberglass? I have some acetone and it says specifically not to use it on fiberglass.

 

[Yorpheus]

I don't have any recommendations. I can just say don't use automotive paint stripper. I destroyed a gelcoated fiberglass Vader helmet this way.

 

[Lord_Gita]

Brake fluid. But wash it off with soap when you're done. I'm not sure wht it will do to gel coat, I know it will eat plastic if left on but that can take an hour so gel coat should have longer than that. The paint will come off far quicker than that.

 

[Darth Kahnt]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JediDave @ Mar 14 2007, 07:45 PM) [snapback]1440100[/snapback]</div>

I don't have any recommendations. I can just say don't use automotive paint stripper. I destroyed a gelcoated fiberglass Vader helmet this way.
[/b]

Thanks man. If I destroyed this helmet I think I'd cry for days. :cry

I used some acetone tonight to take the paint off the grills and one of the tusks and it worked like a charm. But I'm still nervous about using it on the helmet. This project was going so smoothly until now. Looks like I may need to strip it back to the gelcoat and repaint. This time I'm putting it into the shop rather than doing it myself.

 

[TK-2067]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darth Kahnt @ Mar 15 2007, 12:40 AM) [snapback]1440165[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JediDave @ Mar 14 2007, 07:45 PM) [snapback]1440100[/snapback]

I don't have any recommendations. I can just say don't use automotive paint stripper. I destroyed a gelcoated fiberglass Vader helmet this way.
[/b]

Thanks man. If I destroyed this helmet I think I'd cry for days. :cry

I used some acetone tonight to take the paint off the grills and one of the tusks and it worked like a charm. But I'm still nervous about using it on the helmet. This project was going so smoothly until now. Looks like I may need to strip it back to the gelcoat and repaint. This time I'm putting it into the shop rather than doing it myself.
[/b][/quote]
HEY CHRIS , TRY A TEST SPOT WITH THE ACETONE. MAYBE ON THE TOP OF THE MASK THAT WILL BE COVERED UP BY THE DOME....LEAVE IT FOR A WHILE SE WHAT HAPPENS... JUST A THOUGHT MAN

 

[Darth Kahnt]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TK-427 @ Mar 14 2007, 09:12 PM) [snapback]1440167[/snapback]</div>

HEY CHRIS , TRY A TEST SPOT WITH THE ACETONE. MAYBE ON THE TOP OF THE MASK THAT WILL BE COVERED UP BY THE DOME....LEAVE IT FOR A WHILE SE WHAT HAPPENS... JUST A THOUGHT MAN
[/b]

Good suggestion Rod. Ill take the paint off and then wash it with soap and water right away and see what happens.

 

[ItsThatGuy]

Yeah, I used acetone on my Stormtrooper armor to remove some goofs on my helmet. It worked great. It didn't melt it like most other stuff does to ABS.

 

[vader71]

I have used spray on paint stripper to remove the paint on a Vader dome and it worked great. Just be sure to get it all off in the recommended time and was with soap and water to get all of the reactions to stop.
I hate going back and starting over but it happens. Keep trying, its alot more satisfying at the end than somethig sent to a shop to be done.

 

[Darth Kahnt]

I'd love to do it myself but I need this lid for a convention on April 1.

I would hate to wear my Rubies lid with my awesome ANH suit.

 

[vader71]

Fair enough. Time issues can change everything.

 

[Darth Kahnt]

What I will probably do is get the shop to do the black, Ill do the gunmetal myself and then bring it back for the dull coat.

 

[vader71]

I seem to never have problems with the black its the clearcoat that kills me. It dries so fast its hard to get the whole dome done without a line of overspray. For the ANH thought just use gloss black, three coats and my anh domes have looked great. I prefer to skip the dull coat or clear unless its specifically desired by the helmet owner.

 

[GeneralMayhem]

Have you tried Oven Cleaner?

 

[dcarty]

Hi Darth K,
I've been in the same spot you are. I used a product called "Goof Off Graffiti Remover" it says specifically that it's safe for fiberglass. I bought a can at Lowes in the paint section.

Cheers, and good luck.

Dave C

 

[minieffects]

Just a minor note, if you purchase any fiberglass casting you should wash it with soap and warm water as there may be mold release still on the part. No telling if the person who made the part ever cleaned off the release. This is useually the reason paint doesnt stick or is beading up in areas. Typically with fiberglass molds pva is used (polyvinyl acetate) this removes with a good scrubbing with water and soap. If its a solvent based release then alcohol or acetone will work fine. While polyester fiberglass can be thinned with acetone in its liquid state, once cured you should have no problems using these to clean with. I personally prefer epoxy lay ups myself, its more stable and finishes easier.



minieffects


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(vader71 @ Mar 14 2007, 06:04 PM) [snapback]1440244[/snapback]</div>

I seem to never have problems with the black its the clearcoat that kills me. It dries so fast its hard to get the whole dome done without a line of overspray. For the ANH thought just use gloss black, three coats and my anh domes have looked great. I prefer to skip the dull coat or clear unless its specifically desired by the helmet owner. [/b]

You may want to try a urethane clear coat sprayed with a touch up spray gun. Also when spraying allways work backwords from where you started so that any overspray falls on wet paint and disolves.


minieffects

 

[ddocvjm]

Chris,
Be careful with the acetone. I once tested some on the fiberglass of my GH chest armor (out of sight spot). Now, why would the cloth I was using turn black while I was cleaning a spot on the black fiberglass..... and the surface became a little sticky....

 

[AnsonJames]

It depends what paint you're using.
Brake fluid works on some paints but won't touch others.
Cellulose thinner applied with a rag and wiped will do duplicolor and Hycote but this could still effect the surface of your gelcoat - if it's two pac paint then it'll be a major hassle.

I removed two pac paint from an early DP Vader using something called Langlow Safer Stripper which doesn't effect the gel but takes a long time (days) to work.
This is a UK product but I know there are similar products in the States