Paint or gel coat blisters?

[lnranch]

I recently pulled my O'Day 28 and found many tiny blisters and in no more than 10 minuits all blister were gone. I was told that they are probably in the paint . I plan on having the bottom sand blasted to remove all the old paint (18 years worth). My question is there any way you can tell if the blisters are actually in the paint. They are the size of a tack head.Thanks

 

[Ron Dague]

Paint Blisters versus Gel-Coat Blisters

It shouldn't be too hard to tell the difference. Once the paint is removed, if the blisters are in the gel coat, you will still see them. You might have to look close, but you'd see a case of "measels" in the gel-coat.But while I'm on the topic, I'd recommend against sandblasting the paint. It is real easy to do damage to the underlying gelcoat, and then you will get blisters! I'd see if a chemical stripper, like Marine Peel Away or another would work. And if some sort of "blasting" is necessary, there are "soda" and "plastic bead" abrasives that can be used instead of sand that will do less damage.I can't imagine that all the paint from the last 18 years is still there! But then, I haven't seen the boat.RonS/V Finesse, h34

 

[lnranch]

Thanks

I will talk to the marinia about the best way to remove the old paint. I certainly do not want to create a problem by " fixing it". I have done that before. I may have overestimated the amount of old bottom paint. I have owned the boat for two years and this is my first bottom job on it.Thanks again