cured paint removal

[Paul45c]

Any tips on a chemical to break down and at least thin out a small patch of already cured 2-part polyurethane paint? Someone did a poor job of painting out my transom when the boat was last renamed and you can't read the hull#! I would like to just wipe or brush on a small amount of product enough to be able to read the letters and numbers, but can't really get into sanding or anything like that.

 

[david_lavigne2540]

I thought Hull # where "stamped" into the hull.

Don't know if it's legal or not.

If so, might I suggest that you do a "rubbing" to get the number on a sheet of paper. Then cut along the lines of the letter. Then tape the paper back to where the letters are and use it for masking. Then Paint the numbers back on the transom. Of course, I have no idea how big the hull# are.

 

[Paul45c]

Thanks for the help David, but I guess I didn't make clear that the numbers are stamped/molded into the hull...it's just that someone painted so heavily over them that I can't read most of the characters. I'm hoping it's just that and that they weren't sanded smooth, because then I'll never be able to retrieve the true numbers.

Does anyone thing Easy Off or nail polish remover might soften up the paint enough to carefully clear the number area?

 

[67hat34c]

dental picks and or exacto knife.

 

[Mako440]

Paul,
I would try something less abrasive first, like Bartenders Friend. Once you rough it up, then maybe acetone or paint thinner on a Q-tip. Be very carefull with that stuff. After the paint gets softer, you can use a copper wire brush to try and clean out the numbers.

I know there are a few coats in that area on your boat, so it will take time. After you get the numbers visible, some light sanding with 1200 grit wet/dry and compound and buff and no one will ever know.

If none of that works, I have a new Black and Decker grinder that I could bring over, although that might create more damage!

I am free tomorrow if you need help.

 

[Paul45c]

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye -- you're being preached to by an imposter! He's a Mako fiend, not a true Hatt afficiondo!

OK, ok, that's a little harsh -- Eric's been a big fan of Hatts for a long time, but he's also a diehard Mako outboard guy! Still, he's helped out on my many Hatt projects in the past. Somebody sell him a Hatt quickly!!!!

 

[Mako440]

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye -- you're being preached to by an imposter! He's a Mako fiend, not a true Hatt afficiondo!

OK, ok, that's a little harsh -- Eric's been a big fan of Hatts for a long time, but he's also a diehard Mako outboard guy! Still, he's helped out on my many Hatt projects in the past. Somebody sell him a Hatt quickly!!!!

I see by the time of your post that "Dr. Bombay" or "Jose" may be "in the house"!

Have fun toiling on the "beast" this weekend! Let me know how you make out with the hull number retrieval and the electric. I hope the method we talked about works, just tape off the area!