How to Remove Boat Paint From Stainless

Many boat parts are made with stainless steel, including rails, hinges, handles and rope cleats. If the stainless steel parts have been accidentally painted, the boat's shiny, eye-catching accents become compromised, diminishing the appearance of the entire boat. When restoring or repainting a boat, it may be necessary to use a solvent to strip hard-to-remove paint from stainless steel parts. Choose a non-caustic solvent that is specifically formulated for stripping marine paint.

• 1

  Unscrew and remove stainless steel parts for stripping, if possible. If not, tape off any surrounding areas that need to be protected from the solvent.

• 2

  Put on gloves to avoid skin contact with the solvent. Work in a ventilated area to prevent inhalation of any fumes.

• 3

  Cover the paint on the stainless steel with a generous layer of paint remover solvent. Use a natural-bristle brush only, as synthetic bristles may not withstand the solvent.

• 4

  Leave the solvent to absorb into and loosen the paint. The wait time will vary, depending on the formula. Consult the instructions on the container to determine how long to leave the paint remover on.

• 5

  Remove large chunks of paint with a putty knife. Use a plastic putty knife to ensure that the stainless steel will not be scratched.

• 6

  Get into small crevices or holes using a stainless-steel-safe scrub pad and a toothpick. Do not use wire or steel wool, as the stainless steel may become scratched.

• 7

  Rinse the cleaned stainless steel thoroughly with fresh water.

• 8

  Apply more solvent on any remaining paint, if necessary. Scrape the paint and rinse the stainless steel in the same manner.