Spray painted stripes removal

[Bisonguy]

Hi

My new ride has a few stripes spray painted on the fiberglass body by the previous owner (his college colors). I'm looking for suggestions on how to remove these painted stripes without messing up the gel coat, and NOT have the Stripes sanded off and the body repainted. I've seen some "water-based" products advertised online for use on boats to remove fouling paint. Thanks

 

[desertclassic]

I will say welcome. I don't know where to guide you to but I would think that doing a body and paint search may be a good start. Jim

 

[Gorilla]

Welcome aboard. Good luck in your search. Bottom paint is designed to come off. I think you are going to have to do a repaint. But not seeing the trike who knows.

 

[paws]

I'd sure ask an auto paint shop about it first. Not knowing what the size and shape of the affected area looks like - maybe you could find some decals that would just cover it up or a really good pin-striper who could incorporate it into a design? Good luck...let us know what you finally come up with.

 

[Bisonguy]

photo of painted stripes

There are stripes over each fender and one diagonal one on the trunk cover

 

[rhino 2]

View attachment 50202There are stripes over each fender and one diagonal one on the trunk cover

I don't think they're coming off without sanding and full repaint... They're done so well they almost look like decals...If they were decals then you could remove them without too much trouble....:Shrug:

 

[Gorilla]

If they are decals they probably were clear coated over them. Then you are right back to if they were paint. You can get the decal off but the clear coat will have an edge at the decal. Plus the decal is hard to remove but can be done.

 

[Pegasus1300]

If he did that with a rattle can he is good. If you still have contact with him maybe he can tell you what brand he used. Then you can contact them and ask them what they say.

 

[paws]

You can put that rhino liner spray on the fenders - will protect them from rocks and stuff - maybe a little excessive, but you would never have to worry about dropping something on the fenders. The rear bumper... well... it's a good eye-catcher for safety's sake!

 

[Bisonguy]

Update.....

Oops, please see next post with picture

 

[Bisonguy]

Update.....

Hi folks,

Sorry I’ve been quiet for a while. Did quite a bit of googling and away (at the F1 GP in Austin, TX ).

So I found a product, Ready Strip Marine, that supposedly takes layers of anti-fouling paint off boat hulls. No volatiles and it won’t affect gel cotes. I ran a small sample - directions say between 30 minutes and 4 hours soaking. I got distracted and left it for almost 5 hours, with a layer it cling wrap over it to keep it moist.

I got a fairly decent result, so I removed my truck lid today and decided to do the blue, white and yellow stripes, as well as the black pinstripes. I thought they may be “decal-type” stripes and peel off, but they are the toughest part to remove. I left the Ready strip on on for 6 hours, and the paint bubbled and was easy to white off. From the picture you can see I’ve reapplied the stuff and hoping that everything will be removed now.

I’ll update as I progress.

 

[Dirtydan]

I would have tried the old tried n true Easy Off oven cleaner method. Works for pinstriping and any rattle can paint not professionally cleared over. Vinyl graphics then heat is your friend. Maybe a little goo gone or goof off for the additional glue that doesn’t come off with heat. Sign jury’s tell me use a torch fo4 that and it takes the glue off too but I’m always hesitant to use open flame on a paint job so a heat gun is my other choice.