Stripping paint off fiberglass

[Gregory M.]

Can anyone recomend a good brush on paint remover that will remove paint and not damage fiberglass?

The aircraft grade stuff I usually buy at the auto body supply says that is is not recomended for fibergolass and plastics and I am fearful of damaging the fiberglass. Thanks

GM

[Donald T.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

Can anyone recomend a good brush on paint remover that will remove paint and not damage fiberglass?

The aircraft grade stuff I usually buy at the auto body supply says that is is not recomended for fibergolass and plastics and I am fearful of damaging the fiberglass. Thanks

GM

Gregory,

Your fears are well founded, and it will damage the fiberglass. Use a paint stripper that is safe for fiberglass. I have used Captain Lees and it works very well and won't damage the fiberglass.

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?pf_id=13024&dept_id=127

[Ken B.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

I used Captain lee's also..Great stuff and it works fast..Just follow the instructions and you can't go wrong

[Paul D.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

I also have used Captain Lee's with great results. Also, laying a garbage bag or other plastic over the area you are working on to hold in the moisture really does work. I rolled out a large piece of 6 mil plastic under the car before starting. When finished, just let the residue dry, roll up the plastic, and throw it away. Boy, that sounds simple and easy doesn't it?

[James W.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

Captain Lee's on a '71. Took paint off well, but had to use fine steel wool and stripper to get the primer off. Factory primer really, really sticks!

Jim

[Ray C.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

I have used Klean Strip on four projects cars. One thing you must do when using a chemical stripper is to clean the fiberglass throughly and work small areas. I wipe down the stripped area twice using a low grade lacquer thinner. I then wash the area with warm soapy using a scrub brush. It may not be required, but I wipe the fiberglass again with lacquer thinner after washing.

Ray

[Lawrence G.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

I'm a real hands on type of Vette owner, but I axed the idea of stripping the paint on my 72 when I read all the types of cancer you can get from the chemicals in the stripping product...I paid the extra $$ and had the painter take the risk.

[Pete B.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

I dont mean to hijack this thread but there was some real good points brought up. What is the opinion of soda blast stripping? I am starting my 71 project after the first of the year and want to keep it on budget. The soda stripping guy quoted about $800 for 8 hrs of time. Seemed reasonable but then stripper, plastic and time seems like an option also.

[Lawrence G.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

When stripping a Vette it's best to have the same person that is doing the body paint strip the car also...if you can find someone to do both.

This way the painter can see and note any body damage as it becomes visable

I was lucky with my 72 as the painter also did the stripping....by hand with fine steelwool and a razor blade

The body was so smooth when he finished removing the paint.....I thought of keeping it that way for a year

Sorry for the high jack....drop me a PM on the subject if you want to know more....I researched the hell out of paint stripping methods before I had my 72 stripped and repainted

[Joe R.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

When stripping Corvettes you have to be VERY careful when you strip one that is SMC. I believe the change was the 1973 year????? The earlier cars can be stripped with "Kleen Strip" BUT that stuff will melt SMC if left on too long. Too long is about ten minutes at 80 degrees.

Don't start with the hood! The real filler panel would be a nice test as it can be replaced easily and cheap!

JR

[Gerald C.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

Did you ever consider baking soda media blasting? It works well and does leave a residue after the job is done. I had my 63 roadster done years ago and it came out great.

Jerry

[Dick W.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

The material (methylene chloride) that was used in lacquer removing solvents has long been removed. It was not a suspected carcinogen, but a KNOWN carcinogen. But, dang, it sure worked good. Red Scotchbrite pads and DuPont Lacquer Removing Solvent and in a short period of time the paint was gone!

Probably Captain Lee's is about as good as it gets today

[Michael G.]

Re: Stripping paint off fiberglass

Just finished stripping my '66 convertible using Captain Lees, razor blade scraper (carefully ), steel wool and laquer thinner for cleaning up residual stripper. Much washing and if I didn't mention it.....much washing. This would the second car I've "chem stripped". Paint job on 1st car is now 4+ years old and lookin' good.

Mike