How to Remove Spray Paint from a Surfboard

Acetone works on polyester resins and fiberglass.

A typical surfboard is made with a fiberglass shell, polyester resins and a polyurethane foam core. Surfboards come in many different colors and designs. But what if you bought a second-hand surfboard that had been spray painted -- or started to spray paint your own and decided against it -- and now you want to remove the paint? There are solutions. Products are available that can remove spray paint; just be sure to research which ones are best for a surfboard.

Things You'll Need

• Acetone
• Scrub brush
• Sandpaper
• Spray-paint remover

Instructions

1. Use acetone. This is available at any hardware store and is inexpensive. Apply acetone to the surface and use the scrub brush to remove the paint. Acetone is a recommended thinner for fiberglass and polyester resins which make up the outer shell of a surfboard. Rinse with water.

2. Sand it off. You can use 180 to 280 grit sandpaper. Be careful that you don't sand too deeply and damage the surface. Once you've sanded the paint off, rinse with water.

3. Use a spray-paint removal product. Look for a product that removes most spray paint and other types of permanent marks from any surface without damage.

Tips & Warnings

• If using acetone, consider wearing a mask because acetone releases toxic fumes.

References

• Minneapolis Police: Graffiti Removal Techniques: Acetone
• Graffiti Tire Removal: Sensitive Surface Graffiti Removal