sandblasting aluminum

[Bob1944]

mid 70s crestliner nordsman II 24 foot. It has a bunch of layers of paint. Can I sandblast it off?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

I wouldn't. Aluminum is a soft metal and doesn't like being sandblasted all that much. You'd be better off doing a chemical strip, I think. Rather a large boat, though, for that. Good paint remover isn't cheap.

You might consider soda blasting, but that's something I know nothing about. I've heard it mentioned, though, with reference to paint removal from aluminum hulls.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

Yeah Soda is the only way to go, you could use plastic but its kinda pricey. Your best route though is stripper.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

Yeh, as mentioned, don't sandblast it. It will buckle and bow the aluminum badly. It either stresses or removes the stress from one surface causing the material to want to change shape.

Only success I've had sandblasting aluminum is if an experienced operator blasts both sides of the material. I've even seen light gauge stainless twist and buckle when blasted on one side.

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

Chemical stripping is best for aluminum.
One trick I have used is to cover the stripper with plastic. Lets it eat more without drying out.
Do sections at a time.

 

[Bob1944]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

Chemical stripping is best for aluminum.
One trick I have used is to cover the stripper with plastic. Lets it eat more without drying out.
Do sections at a time.

plastic sheeting like a garbage bag or something? Put on the stripper and then put the plastic bag or plastic sheet of somekind over the stripper?

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

plastic sheeting like a garbage bag or something? Put on the stripper and then put the plastic bag or plastic sheet of somekind over the stripper?

Exactly.

Keep the air from drying out the stripper. Tape the edges and let it cook.
It depend what kind of stripper you get as to how long you leave te plastic on.

 

[Bob1944]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

OK thanks. I would never have thought of that. Thought the stripper would eat the plastic. I am going to use a brand called aviation stripper from auto zone.

Thanks again
bob

 

[APPALOOSA2]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

I would try a high pressure washer, a steam washer would even better, would be much quicker.

 

[Bob1944]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

good idea. I have a high pressure washer. I guess one could rent a steam pressure washer.

 

[kandil]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

You can use an orbital sander I have read some posts her about the use of it to remove paint from aluminum boats sand paper well be cheaper than the paint striper

 

[North Beach]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

I used both walnut shells blasting and the orbital sander on my aluminum boat. Trust me! The orbital sander with 150 or 220 grit will eat it off pretty quick.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

Be real careful when using a pressure washer too, they too can dent or distort the aluminum if the pressure is too high.
If 155 psi out of a sand blaster will warp the aluminum, picture what 1500 psi of water will do.

Use the chemical stripper or have it soda blasted by a pro. Keep in mind that some aluminum boats are anodized too, so sanding or blasting will no doubt remove any anodized coating present.

 

[Bob1944]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

Great information. Thank you everyone.

bob

 

[basstracker1970]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

I just stripped my 16' aluminum boat with aircraft stripper from auto zone and it melted the paint right off. The paint would actually just drop to the ground. It will lift the paint instantly but I let it sit for about 10-15 min then pressure washed it off. That stripper is awesome but dont let it touch your skin or you will know it fast.....

 

[Bob1944]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

Great minds run along the same channel.

 

[Fisherdave67]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

Once you get it stripped I suggest "Toon-brite". I applied this biodegradable cleaner to my pontoon boat and it brought back the showroom shine.

 

[Bob1944]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

Once you get it stripped I suggest "Toon-brite". I applied this biodegradable cleaner to my pontoon boat and it brought back the showroom shine.

Where did you purchase Toon Brite? And did you leave it that way without painting. That would look nice on this boat I am restoring.

 

[willyrocket]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

If you use just a stripper, what if you have a little pitting on the aluminum. I would think your gonna have to go back over those areas with something else....... Dont think stripper will remove any corrosion. THoughts?

 

[Bob1944]

Re: sandblasting aluminum

wet sand the pits?