Using a Power Washer on a plywood boat??

[jsfinn]

Just an idea - I guess I've never heard of anyone using a power washer to clean up the bare wood on a plywood boat so I figured I'd ask..Would it to more harm than good? I'd want to use it on the inside and the outside of the hull after I strip (or to help strip) the paint.<br /><br />In the back of my head I keep thinking that I'd be pushing a lot of water deep inside the plywood which wouldn't be good but on the other hand, it would get it nice and clean...<br /><br />Any thoughts?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[DJ]

Re: Using a Power Washer on a plywood boat??

I wouldn't. I think you will find that the power washer will actually strip away the wood.

 

[thejeepster02]

Re: Using a Power Washer on a plywood boat??

unless your an expert...dont try it.<br />an expert using a washing can change the tips and <br />presure. He could safily remove paint and dirt from wood, or blast a hole clear through the boat.

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Using a Power Washer on a plywood boat??

Ok - Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking some more and I'd be willing to bet that the paint is lead based so the EPA says I need to wet sand it or use some wet method of sanding to cut down on lead dust. What's the best way to remove the old paint? Chemical stripper?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Using a Power Washer on a plywood boat??

Originally posted by jsfinn:<br /> Ok - Thanks for the advice. I've been thinking some more and I'd be willing to bet that the paint is lead based so the EPA says I need to wet sand it or use some wet method of sanding to cut down on lead dust. What's the best way to remove the old paint? Chemical stripper?

That's what I would probably use. Gonna take some amount though. I just got thru stripping the paint off of my fiberglass bilge. (std 20' runabout size) I used a whole pint of the stuff. You can get stripper that is made for a spray bottle. That would be a good way to apply it. The paint might come off the wood easier than it did the fiberglass. Actually, you are not supposed to use it on fiberglass. It actually goes after the resin.

 

[BillP]

Re: Using a Power Washer on a plywood boat??

The pressure washer can take the soft grain out of the plywood...that's why they aren't used on wood boats.<br /><br />You have several methods. Heat the paint with a torch and scrap it off. Sand it off. Use paint stripper. There are many strippers on the market and it will take gallons of stripper to do a 17' ply boat with multiple layers of paint. I've tried them all and paint stripper is the easiest and fastest...also the most cost.