Bottom Paint Removal

[BigNiner19]

Going to repaint my boat. I need to remove all of the OLD bottom paint. Much of it has already chipped or peeled off. But I still have much to remove, any suggestions as to what to use?

Cory

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Bottom Paint Removal

You can get most of it off with a good pressure washer if its coming off already.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Bottom Paint Removal

If you want to completely remove the existing bottom paint my suggestion would be to use a chemical stripper. HOWEVER, be careful in your choice of products, some will attack the fiberglass. No matter how you do it, sand, strip or otherwise it is a pain in the butt. Personal protection is very important as the chemicals in the paint are pretty toxic. This stuff is really good but pricey: http://www.dumondchemicals.com/

 

[BigNiner19]

Re: Bottom Paint Removal

Thanks for the replies. I know bottom paint is toxic and many people complain of getting sick after breathing in the dust. What do you recommend for protection while im scraping this stuff off? Breathing mask? I suppose with a pressure washer it wouldnt be to bad because there wouldnt be any dust. But I dont think I will get it all off by doing that method.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Bottom Paint Removal

If you're just gonna' scrape it off then a cheap particle mask would be fine. However, if you plan on sanding it down then you should get a good quality mask with the approved NIOSH ? filter. They can be purchased in most quality paint stores or online. Cost ya' about $30.00 or so. Little pricey but your lungs will be forever thankful. No shortcuts on safety or health issues.

 

[Scout Sport Fish]

Re: Bottom Paint Removal

See what is keeping it on. If its static (haha) then just use a paint scrapper. (Preferably a dull one if you have it.) If thats not enough a good pressure/power washer will do it. And if that dosent work, chemical is last resort as it can harm the glass as gcboat said.

 

[Sorrento 25]

Re: Bottom Paint Removal

I used some stripper after pressure washing, and then pressure washed again to remove the softened paint. Scraping can be difficult without gouging the gelcoat. The last remaining traces that need to be sanded can be sanded more safely if you use a strong fan to blow the dust away from you as you sand.