Bottom coat removal: sandblasting or alternate...

[Michael]

This coming spring I would like to remove the bottom coat and repaint the boat below waterline. The conventional method of the old paint removal is sandblasting. I heard about an alternate method of bottom paint removal using high pressure water (1500 psi) spray with injection of abrasives such as soda powder. The injection proceeds through the ejector installed on the h. p. pump suction. Could anyone shed light on the issue? I would also appreciate references to literature, specifications and some assessment of both methods, one entailing required portable equipment used for sandblasting and the other method of high pressure water application.Many thanks,Michael.

 

[Mary Lou Belisle]

Just use a Pressure Washer

I used a 2,300 psi pressure washer and just plain H2O. It took me about 6 hiurs to remove 10 years of paint from my H285. Use a 15-degree nozzle, stay about 5-6 inches away from the paint. You can cut a swath about 3" wide from boot stripe to keel. It realy wasn't bad.A little sanding after and she was ready for fresh, new paint. In all, it took about 1 full weekend.

 

[Steve O.]

don't blast

Absolutely stay away from sandblasting. It will remove gel coat.

 

[Siggi]

Sanding

Just did it. Took me 2 days sanding with 40-60 grid. Coated a barrier coat with west system.5 Coats took about 4 galon.Siggi

 

[Daryl]

Sand Blasting

Don't do it on fiberglass. Absolutely do it on a cast iron keel (if you are willing to coat it within one hour) Heavy paint is best removed with a paint scraper followed up by coarse sandpaper. USE A RESPIRATOR!

 

[Michael]

To all respondents and beyong

Thank all of you! You made my year. Happiest and safest 2004!

 

[Neil]

paint stripper

I stripped about 15 years of paint off a couple of years ago. The boat yard guys recommended using a stripper made by NUTEC, called "NoSwett". After covering the ground under the boat with throw-away tarps and having 3 of my crew standing by with scrapers, they sprayed the stuff on. We let it sit for about 25 minutes and had at it. It was unbelievable, the paint scraped off right to the gel coat, and it didn't take any pressure, the paint just came off. Although very messy, we had the paint off in about 45 minutes. After cleaning up the tarps, I wiped off the residue with thinner, which brought it cleanly to the gelcoat. A light sanding and new paint.