Bottom Paint - Applying an Ablative over a Hard Epoxy

[Bob R.]

This question has probably been asked before, but I could not find a satisfactory answer in the archives. Can you apply an ablative bottom paint over a hard modified epoxy paint? If so, what kind if prep is needed?The boat has been on the hard for the winter and has several coats of Pettit Trinidad on the bottom. The existing paint and bottom are in good condition, but would need to be repainted to restore the paint's anti-fouling properties. I don't want to continue to build up more layers of epoxy paint and would like to switch to a good ablative. Can I simply sand the epoxy paint, clean it with a thinner and re-paint with an ablative, or do I need to strip off the old Trinidad epoxy entirely?Bob R.Unfurled H356

 

[Rob Hessenius]

Bottom Paint

Bob- Do exactly what you wrote and all will be fine. Add extra coats of the ablative to your leadind edges, keel,rudder and bow. Enjoy, Rob Hessenius

 

[Joe]

paint question

yes you can apply ablative over hard shell. Read the following: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/westadvisor/10001/-1/10001/AntifoulingPaint.htm

 

[Maine Sail]

As others have said..

As others have said yes you can but be sure to sand well.One other point would be this; when adding an ablative change the color so you'll know when and where it gets thin as the old color will show through as it wears away..

 

[Bob R.]

Thanks

Your advice helps. This will be my first experience sanding a bottom. My back hurts already. 80 grit on an orbital sander with a vacuum attachment? Do I need to go any finer?Bob RUnfurled H356

 

[Rob Hessenius]

BOB, BOB

All you need is a scotch pad! 60 grit is fine.