Preparing for new paint

[Lonepiper]

Ok,

I am almost ready to start stripping off old nasty paint and stains and I was wondering how, exactly, I should do this. I was going to pick up an orbital sander to start with and begin with that, then down to maybe 220 and 440 grit. Wet, I believe would be best. Then I think addressing the surface cracks and damaged places, still working out how to do that. I believe something called 'Marine Tex' is called for. After all that a good dust wipe off and then... some sort of primer. Looking into what kind. Then roll and tip a couple of coats. This sound like the right direction to be going in. I did a search but found some difference of opinions so thought I would ask.

Thanks

 

[sschefer]

Re: Preparing for new paint

Aluminum or Fiberglass ?

 

[Lonepiper]

Re: Preparing for new paint

Me <---- twit...


Fiberglass

MFG Gypsy 15

 

[osixnineonenine]

Re: Preparing for new paint

I tried lots of stuff and the fastest way I found was a razor blade...Is there gelcoat under the paint? Cause there was on mine and I finished my 22ft er in 7 hours top and bottom Without incident may I add(to me or the boat). I was extremely careful not to damage the gelcoat and It worked great for me.

Good luck

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Preparing for new paint

Yup I have a razor blade to strip a corvette.... works good.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Preparing for new paint

A RAZOR BLADE??? You guys must have a lot of time on your hands to strip a boat using a razor blade!

Me, I would use paint stripper and some plastic scrapers and steel wool. Cheap, fast and it doesn't melt glass. But test a small area just to be sure .

 

[Lonepiper]

Re: Preparing for new paint

So, am I to understand that an orbital sander is not such a good idea?

When I start this, what am I looking for as I sand,scrape, raze, orbit?

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: Preparing for new paint

Whole books written on prepping and painting but the real short version -

If the old paint is flaking off, stip it with paint remover.
Clean hull really well, wipe with solvent.
Sand (R.O.) with 100 grit.
Repair any damaged areas with peanut butter mix
Prime
sand with 180
Prime
sand with 220 - 240 wet
Paint

Several dozen hours and several hundred dollars latter you will have something to be proud of for many years.