Back to top

Any ideas on removing graphics off a board?

Created by Surf12 Surf12  > 9 months ago, 17 Oct 2020
Register to post, see what you've read, and subscribe to topics.
Surf12
Surf12

18 posts

17 Oct 2020 4:42pm
What is the best solvent to use to take the graphics/screen print off a board without affecting the fibreglass finish?

Not wanting to sand or use a blade.
peterowensbabs
peterowensbabs

NSW

497 posts

17 Oct 2020 10:36pm
Fully cured epoxy will not be dissolved by acetone but the car paint used will. It will be messy, it will require thousands of rags and lots of acetone, it will reveal things you dont want to see and although the acetone will not dessolve the epoxy it may weaken it and or the filler/fairing compound just below the paint. Use caution!
forceten
forceten

1312 posts

17 Oct 2020 7:39pm
Heat the graphic, sticker if the case, you would have to insert a razor blade type to lift up, continue to heat and peel.
anything else I feel involves solvents, and will be a mess.

heat gun, on trail so far as heating, or a hair dryer, not so good but
Gorgo
Gorgo

VIC

5108 posts

17 Oct 2020 10:46pm
Paint over it. Black spray paint. Roughen the area with sandpaper. Mask out a simple stripe or design. Spray it.
Paducah
Paducah

2792 posts

17 Oct 2020 11:55pm


Select to expand quote
forceten said..
Heat the graphic, sticker if the case, you would have to insert a razor blade type to lift up, continue to heat and peel.
anything else I feel involves solvents, and will be a mess.

heat gun, on trail so far as heating, or a hair dryer, not so good but


What he said if you are removing and not painting over. Many graphics are actually a giant vinyl sheet. It's like scraping a sticker off your car window. I found denatured alchohol good for removing residual glue. Spent an enjoyable summer's afternoon not too long ago doing the better part of an older formula board. In many places the vinyl was brittle from years of heat. I wish I could tell you it was fun.
Surf12
Surf12

18 posts

18 Oct 2020 6:28pm
Its actually screen printed but some real tough stuff, over what looks like a clear coat.

I tried nail polish remover but didnt do anything. Might need to get some stronger acetone.
forceten
forceten

1312 posts

19 Oct 2020 8:55pm
I think to dissolve without scraping will be non environmental friendly.
I think my heat, remove, dissolve the sticky bits, then sand.
Mark _australia
Mark _australia

WA

23526 posts

19 Oct 2020 9:03pm
Nail polish remover id often acetone free
just buy acetone
Btw cover it with rags to keep wetness on the surface for longer
but if it's 2pack paint it probably won't dissolve

just wondering why not sanding? Could be lot faster and a dust mask not a real respirator (gallon of acetone is going to be unpleasant)
515
515

515

875 posts

20 Oct 2020 9:17am
Agree with Mark with sanding rather than chemicals.
If you don't have a machine then you can hire and won't take long.

What is the board? Please reply with photo.
mr love
mr love

VIC

2415 posts

20 Oct 2020 1:09pm
Wet sand, it will come off.
Gorgo
Gorgo

VIC

5108 posts

20 Oct 2020 3:57pm
I am just finishing a refurbishment of a 155x50cm kite foilboard. I sanded the two part paint off one side using an orbital sander and the other hand wet sanding. Both were with 80 grit paper.

It took about an hour a side. It's easy enough to do, you just have to be patient. Initially there is no visible effect then things start happening.

Wet sanding is quieter, the paper lasts longer and you don't need to wear a mask. You do have a puddle of paint polluted water to deal with. It's going to end up in the storm water or soaking into the ground. You could soak it up with towels and bin it.

The machine was noisy and took twice as much paper. The filter catches most of the dust but you do need masks and ear protection. There was a light coating of dust all over the surrounding area.

The hand wet sanding is generally more relaxing and you can pace yourself. It's good to be gentle and not go at it like a mad person.

If you're super careful you can go through the paint and preserve the underlying resin and glass. There's a fair bit of finger tip sanding on spots of paint.

Ideally you will have a plan on how you want to finish the deck after the paint is gone. I did a bunch of repairs and resurfacing and it's all been painted and covered with a new deck pad.
End of posts
Please Register, or first...
Topics Subscribe Reply

Return To Classic site