How can I tell if my boat has paint or gel coat on it?

I spent all day removing what I thought were original Hobie pinstripes but some of the paint/gelcoat was coming off/chipping with the stickers. So I started thinking that my boat has been painted before...how can I check for sure?

I can almost guarantee that if the coating is chipping, then it's paint.

Is the color underneath different?
Don't tell anyone, but my glass guy will sand a little and take a whiff. He's 100% accurate.

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White underneath in most spots, but one hull has some spots of grey. Is my only option to paint again or can I gelcoat after a lot of sanding.

You may not even need to re gel it. Just get the paint off and see what condition the gel is in first.

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How the heck does one peel paint off? These decals were stuck on there really good I think that is the only reason if shipped off. Heck there is one 2' section of decals I cant even get off unless I go like 1/2 a CM a time with a razor blade.

Sometimes, that's the only way they come off. Don't use a razor blade, though. You'll scratch / gouge the finish. Use a plastic scraper and a bit of heat (hair dryer) and just keep working at it.

2 seasons ago I refinished my hulls. cleaner, polish, wax. I took off the original striping on my '88 H18. The striping is very thin. I did use a razor blade but I'm very good handling it so no gouges (round off the corners). A heat gun will help, but after 20 years the striping was so UV damaged that sometimes I'd get 6" off, others ½". 'Goof Off' also helped loosen the adhesive and takes the residue off.

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

Heat gun and a razor blade on a handle like they use to remove the inspection sticker on your car then use a acetone to remove glue use a paint brush to apply the acetone get it pretty wet a couple of times the glue should scrape off with the razor blade. Be careful with the razor blade not to gouge the gelcoat just use it an angle.
I just did this on a boat if the glue is really thick use a scrub brush soaked in acetone do not worry about tiny scratches you will remove those when wetsanding I do 400 grit then 600 grit then buff with 3m heavy duty cutter you can buy it at pepboys or auto paint shop. Its hard work but the results will amaze you! Good Luck!

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Floyd
00 Tiger
http://www.HobieFleet33.com
10 Mile Surfside, Texas
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Thanks for the added info on how to get the decal off....I got that covered. Im trying to find out if my boat has paint on it or not and if it does, how to get it off to put new gel coat on/or should I just paint over it.

Ok, was just taking a look at my boat and its definitely painted. I was checking out a part of the boat where the paint chipped off from removing the decals and I can clearly see where the old Hobie 16 (r) logo was near the back of the pontoon. See upcoming post for next step/ suggestions!

Try removing the gudgeons where the rudders attach. Also the drain fittings at the rear of the hulls. I doubt anyone removes these when they paint. There you will be able to see if there is a layer of paint or not. If so, get yourself some "Aircraft Stripper". This is what they used to remove automotive paint from Corvette bodies. This will remove the paint without harming your gelcoat.

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