Primer?

[Steelhead2634]

Can anyone tell me if there is a product that will take off no sand primer without taking off gelcoat? <br /><br />If not, what type of bottom paint would you recommend using on a boat that is trailered, but see's more salt than fresh water? Anti foulant or hard? Boat is washed down after every use of course.<br /><br />Thanks for the help guys!!!

 

[JB]

Re: Primer?

I would not bottom paint that boat, Steelhead.

 

[Steelhead2634]

Re: Primer?

JB,<br />It was bottom painted from the previous owner, but i already scraped/power washed the paint off. The next layer looks like primer on top of the gel coat. I guess i can keep it the way it is, but it is pretty ugly. Any ideas?

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Primer?

I am guessing that you are looking at an epoxy based barrier coat. It will need to be sanded off. That is a lot of work. Additionally, the gelcoat was probably lightly sanded to scuff up the surface before it was applied. <br /><br />While I agree with JB that a trailered boat does not need bottom paint, in your case (I currently have the same situation), I think you have two choices:<br /><br />1) Re-apply a bottom paint. <br /><br />2) Paint(with a top-side paint) or re-gelcoat the hull bottom to get it to look good. <br /><br />For my bottom paint, I am using a multi-season ablative. I am also only doing it because the boat was previously bottom painted and I don't have the energy to remove it. The good thing is that the black bottom paint is complimented by black accents in other place on the boat and it doesn't look too horrible.

 

[Steelhead2634]

Re: Primer?

Thanks Dan,<br />Is a top side paint like Bright Side ok to use in salt water?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Primer?

Yes, it is. See the Interlux website for a lot of information about boat painting: www.yachtpaint.com<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Steelhead2634]

Re: Primer?

Great. Thanks Dan!

 

[Steelhead2634]

Re: Primer?

Just got the barrier coat sanded off. WOW! My arms and hands are killing me! Took about 7+ hours, but it is DONE. Now, i bought a Interlux Brightside white, but am contemplating going with the gel coat. Anyone have experience with the gelcoating? Easier to paint or Gel Coat?

 

[garrett61]

Re: Primer?

if you like to sand more gel away... Ots alot of work to get a nice finish...

 

[Steelhead2634]

Re: Primer?

Paint it is!! Thanks!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Primer?

If you used 320 to sand off the primer then the gel coat won't need that much more sanding to get a good shine without paint. Try a small area and see if you can get a good gloss before you start painting.

 

[Steelhead2634]

Re: Primer?

Well actually i dropped to 180 sand paper for quicker results. Came out pretty nice. It looked decent, but not nearly as nice as the test spot i did with the interlux brightside white. Man it just sparkles now! First coat done! Do i now have to sand the first coat to apply the 2nd coat or can i apply directly on top of the 1st coat?