Removing Ablative Paint from Topsides
- Thread starter MattObjects
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Hopefully the pressure washing will work in my case as the paint is very ablative. I looked positively gangrenous after resting a sweaty arm against the hull last weekend.
Given the risk of overspray or spray back onto neighboring boats at the yard, this may have to wait a month or two until other boats are in the water. That would have me doing the bottom painting in warmer weather closer to launch, which would be better anyway.
At a minimum, the pressure washing should take off the really loose stuff so I'll have less to do with stripping and sanding.
Given the risk of overspray or spray back onto neighboring boats at the yard, this may have to wait a month or two until other boats are in the water. That would have me doing the bottom painting in warmer weather closer to launch, which would be better anyway.
At a minimum, the pressure washing should take off the really loose stuff so I'll have less to do with stripping and sanding.
There are some effective paint strippers out there
Some are eco-friendly. For example, Pettit makes Pettit BioBlast Paint Remover. Here's what the manufacturer has to say:
I have no personal experience with the product. Good luck! (and I don't envy you!)
Some are eco-friendly. For example, Pettit makes Pettit BioBlast Paint Remover. Here's what the manufacturer has to say:
Pettit Bio-Blast Bottom Paint Remover 9051 is a low odor, biodegradable paint remover engineered to replace toxic chemical strippers. Originally intended for stripping marine antifouling paint, Bio Blast is also an effective stripper for removing varnishes, lacquers and marine enamels.
BioBlast will remove paint from gelcoat, wood, steel, aluminum and ferrocement and may be used on most surfaces; however, some plastic and rubber surfaces may be adversely affected. Do a small test area prior to full application. Additionally, zinc and copper bearing metals may be damaged by Bio-Blast Bottom Paint Remover 9051. Bio-Blast will not raise the grain when used on wood surfaces. Bio-Blast Bottom Paint Remover 9051 works effectively on all kinds of antifouling paint. When applying remover, use generous amounts and allow it enough time to work.
BioBlast will remove paint from gelcoat, wood, steel, aluminum and ferrocement and may be used on most surfaces; however, some plastic and rubber surfaces may be adversely affected. Do a small test area prior to full application. Additionally, zinc and copper bearing metals may be damaged by Bio-Blast Bottom Paint Remover 9051. Bio-Blast will not raise the grain when used on wood surfaces. Bio-Blast Bottom Paint Remover 9051 works effectively on all kinds of antifouling paint. When applying remover, use generous amounts and allow it enough time to work.
I have no personal experience with the product. Good luck! (and I don't envy you!)
Yes, it can, especially if it is a hard-epoxy paint. Putting the boat in the water effectively stops or halts the curing process of the epoxy, pulling it back out of the water often allows the curing process to continue. This is one reason why hard epoxy paints become "inactive" after being left out of the water for an extended period of time.
You 'paint' topsides usually because its in poor shape.
With an ablative, as others have responded, the probable best remedy is to sand it off, repair what its 'hiding', then paint the boat with a proper topside coating.
With an ablative, as others have responded, the probable best remedy is to sand it off, repair what its 'hiding', then paint the boat with a proper topside coating.
I think that'd be a rational reason to paint topsides, which is exactly why I'd guess it was not the PO's reason.
I'm guessing, as someone else suggested, that the PO didn't know that bottom paint is only for that portion of the hull below the water line. That seems a likely error for someone who suggested I fill the bilge with GreatStuff foam to keep the flimsy plywood sole from sagging in the middle.
Which means the topsides might be okay underneath it all. Only one way to tell, I guess. Either all will be well or I'll have really strong arms from all the sanding I'll be doing.
Cost versus value
You should really think about how much money you will put into it compared to the value. My point is merely there are hundreds of small boats that are likely in much better condition between 3 to 6K. All will require some work but most will be quite usable as is. Given the cost of materials especially things marked "marine" you will easily sink that amount into just making this boat ready for use. Is the motor in good shape? That might have some value? Just the cost of all the sandpaper will set you back.
I applaud your desire and excitement about the project but wonder if sometimes another path is more prudent?
In any case if you proceed as you seem to be we all will offer our advice, and I'll save the caustic remarks for which I apologize.
You should really think about how much money you will put into it compared to the value. My point is merely there are hundreds of small boats that are likely in much better condition between 3 to 6K. All will require some work but most will be quite usable as is. Given the cost of materials especially things marked "marine" you will easily sink that amount into just making this boat ready for use. Is the motor in good shape? That might have some value? Just the cost of all the sandpaper will set you back.
I applaud your desire and excitement about the project but wonder if sometimes another path is more prudent?
In any case if you proceed as you seem to be we all will offer our advice, and I'll save the caustic remarks for which I apologize.
The PO painted the TOPSIDES with Ablative paint? WOW !!!
I'd "try" a small inconspicous area with a diluted commercial paint remover, and/or perhaps a bath of Acetone. I've had great sucess with Pettit Paints tech department. Contact them and see what they suggest. Their tech folks are very good and easy to work with. http://www.pettitpaint.com/help/ask_expert.asp
Good Luck!
I'd "try" a small inconspicous area with a diluted commercial paint remover, and/or perhaps a bath of Acetone. I've had great sucess with Pettit Paints tech department. Contact them and see what they suggest. Their tech folks are very good and easy to work with. http://www.pettitpaint.com/help/ask_expert.asp
Good Luck!
Re: Cost versus value
Jibes-- I appreciate your thoughts. I think for most folks, your point would be right on. I am the rare person who enjoys working on a boat almost as much as sailing it. I have a very mental job so working with my hands (and tools) on the boat on weekends is a kind of zen. I recognize that the overhaul will be costly but I don't think I will ultimately spend more than the boat will be worth when I'm done, given that the hull, sails, outboard motor, and rigging are in good shape. I know for certain that I will not spend more than the boat will be worth to me.
Jibes-- I appreciate your thoughts. I think for most folks, your point would be right on. I am the rare person who enjoys working on a boat almost as much as sailing it. I have a very mental job so working with my hands (and tools) on the boat on weekends is a kind of zen. I recognize that the overhaul will be costly but I don't think I will ultimately spend more than the boat will be worth when I'm done, given that the hull, sails, outboard motor, and rigging are in good shape. I know for certain that I will not spend more than the boat will be worth to me.
He bought the boat, he enjoys the issue
and it's not appropriate to question his choice. He asked for help. Let's give it to him, regardless of what we would have done in his place.
BECAUSE among other things we WEREN'T THERE.
And we all have our OWN wives.
Sorry girls, change last word to HUSBANDS!!!
and it's not appropriate to question his choice. He asked for help. Let's give it to him, regardless of what we would have done in his place.
BECAUSE among other things we WEREN'T THERE.
And we all have our OWN wives.
Sorry girls, change last word to HUSBANDS!!!
I think that working on a boat is worthwhile. I am glad that I have the experience I have from fixing my old boat. It's great to end up with a boat worth more than you put into it,(which probably isn't going to happen) but for me, for the next boat I buy I now have alot more knowledge about sailboat construction in general. And I will be able to more acurately asses what it will take to repair/restore it.
Anyway, you know what it's like to bond with a boat.
Anyway, you know what it's like to bond with a boat.
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