Bottom Paint

[Dave Abrahamson]

I have just bought a boat that sat in the spring fed river in Fl. I has a bottom paint on it amd a rusty hard water stain. I was wondering if there is any way to return it back to the shiny gelcoat that it was. I trailer the rig so bottom/anti-fouling paint isn't an issue. I'm thinking the primer etches the surface so I don't know if it is possible to get it smooth again or not.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Dave

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Bottom Paint

Depending on how the bottom was prepared for the bottompaint,it can be done.Is it worth the effort is the next question???? The surface was probably sanded or scuffed for the paint to adhere.Either way the paint has to be removed.It is a pretty big job on any size boat.Next ,the bottom would have to be wet sanded a few times and then compounded and then polished and then waxed.Chances are ,it will never look exactly like the rest of the gelcoat.So I ask you,is it worth all the effort??? Charlie

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Bottom Paint

I'm with CC... However, if you want to give it a go, you can buy the chemical system which comes with a paper you apply over the chem to strip it quickly. Most marinas have it. It usually comes in 1 gallon buckets. <br /><br />Before I'd use the stripper I'd use a power washer and good strong cleaner to remove as much as possible. Most bottom paints are designed to wear off and a power washer does a good job at removing it. Be careful you don't use too strong a setting or stay in one spot too longs as it could damage the fiberglass.

 

[rojoc]

Re: Bottom Paint

I used a product called Back To Nature marine stripper on my 22' Starcraft with years of bottom paints. It took considerable time but was worth the effort. I trailer and didn't need the bottom paint. The product was purchased online from Star Dist. ($50 Gal). I used the whole gallon. I needed to apply and remove many layers. I applied the paste with a wide paint brush and after it changed colors scrapped it off with a plastic trowl. Then the bottom was wet sanded with 400 grit paper. I finished the bottom with a product called Poly-glow. (Also on line).It looks as good as if it never had paint!+

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Bottom Paint

Good advice guys. Thank you. Sounds like a lot of work. Maybe I can live with the paint. Although I guess I'll have to keep repainting for it to look good.

 

[trog100]

Re: Bottom Paint

how hard your bottom paint is to get off depends entirely on what sort of paint it is.. if the original gelcoat was in good condition and just lightly sanded then ablative (wash-off) antifoul added a steam-cleaner pressure washer will fetch the lot off in no time.. if it was some hard type paint it dont come off easy.. i just stood and watched a 30 ft cruiser have its ablative antifoul washed off in about ten minutes.. course in this particular case underneath the ablative stuff was another coat of manky looking paint that didnt wash off.. he he <br /><br />if u clean the bottom of your boat get the old paint off or if its well keyed power-sand it to a good finish then give it a couple of coats of two part epoxy paint (not antifoul paint) it should both look nice and last for years..<br /><br />there is paint and there is paint..<br /><br />trog