Removing Painted Reg#s from Gel

The State Registration numbers on the Martinique will need to be removed, they are painted (black) on the Hull. Whatever method we use will need to ensure the painted graphics/stripping are not damaged as they are only about an inch below the Reg numbers.

Looking for any idea's on the best/simplest method to remove these without damaging the Gel or adjacent Paint??

Oven cleaner would probably be risky so close to the stripe.

I would tape off the stripe as a precaution, and then use acetone on a rag to take off the painted numbers.

BKH

A dab of brake fluid will loosen up most oil based paints. But definitely mask off any thing you want to protect, and even then keep it off the tape edges.

I would also definitely mask the stripping and then use some type of paint remover. Acetone is great because it evaporates pretty fast so you have less chance of it running down the hull.

3M fine line tape the stripe. The Fine line is a poly tape and will not be affected by any solvent. WD40 - get out of the kitchen!!! Go at it with some decent stripper like "Zip Strip" but don't leave it on the gel very long. The paint should pop right off. Finish it off with some wet sanding.

Had some thickened epoxy mixed up last night an thought about filling them. Found this guy growing out of the port primary stringer last night.

Thanks Guys!!

storm34 wrote: I thought you guys were wetsanding the entire hull anyway?

You mean "Me Guys", HW is doing the Stringers, LOL!!

Chris, you'll want to put some glass on the back side of the holes before filling with thickened epoxy.

That picture of the sprouting plant should be added to the list of things to inspect for people shopping for boats. "If the stringer core is capable of supporting plant life, there is a chance it may be rotten." Haha.

Let me know when youre getting ready to put a band aid on it and I'll repeat the temporary solution we used on my sister's boat.