Removing paint

Sebastes · #1 07-07-2007, 11:37 AM

I bought this kayak that had been painted by the previous owner. The paint is flaking now and I'm wondering what is the best way to get the rest of it off. Has anyone done this? I'm thinking a pressure wash would be fine.

seaslug · #2 07-08-2007, 10:52 AM

Is it yellow base or blue base? Looks like yellow is the base color. I don't think I would mess with it much - you don't want to put fine scratches all over - that would slow the yak down and attract all types of dirt.

Sebastes · #3 07-10-2007, 12:18 AM

It is yellow. It has a lot of scratches already. Can you fix scratches?

seaslug · #4 07-10-2007, 08:15 AM

You should be able to fix the scratches the same way you repair a hole - with heat from a hot air gun or a soldering iron with a broad, smooth tip. Try a spot where it doesn't matter much (under the seat?).

Steve

PerryC · #5 07-11-2007, 05:34 PM

Sebastes,
Like Seaslug said, you can remove scratches in a rotomolded kayak with a heat gun. But, you have to be very careful while doing so. If there is a texture to the kayak like tiny dimples in the area you heat, you may smooth them out which would look like a blem, or worse.

For removing paint, you may want to contact Kiwi Kayaks and see what they say about a remover. I'm sure pressure washing would be fine, but I'm not sure how much paint it would take off for you. Who else might know is a automotive body shop which paints flexible parts. They might know of a remover which is gentle on the surface under the paint. Good Luck and let us know how it turns out. TC&TL,
Perry