Removing Old Bottom Paint

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May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
What is the best way to remove several layers of old bottom paint?

What is the most economical way to do this?

This is a task that I will inevitably have to do with my boat. It has several old layers of ablative paint on it. I would like to take it down to gel coat next winter. I am considering paying someone to soda blast it but that is expensive.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Peel-away is probably your best bet.

A good start is to powerwash as much as possible.

Peel-away makes a marine product, but I understand from a few on this site that they have used the product for home applications with god success.

Once most of the paint has been removed you will still need to sand. I would suggest that you get a sander with a vac system. Many states mandate this, but it is much better for your health too.

Do you have a barrier coat in place now?
 
Oct 18, 2010
69
Hunter 466 Mystic
I agree with Steve, Peel-away works very well and through multiple layers. I removed the many layers of paint from my 1992 Boston Whaler last spring with this stuff and it took of all the layers with one application. If you do this; I suggest doing defined areas at a given time as the work involved when scraping is laborious. It works well, just takes time and leave the stuff on and covered for at least 24 hours and I would leave it on for 2-3 days and come back to peel off the paint one section at a time. Good luck.
 
Nov 23, 2011
2,023
MacGregor 26D London Ontario Canada
A trick I use when sripping paint from wood trim is to use what ever stripper (I like the smell of the orange one). It doesn't really matter what brand! But I find the gell type is best for vertical surfaces. It is all toxic so suit up. Wear eye protection!
I apply liberally and cover it with 6mill plastic (vapor barrier usually) or garbage bags. Just make sure it doesn't react with what ever plastic you use. Covering keeps it from drying out and lets the product work longer. Don't let it dry out or you will have to re-do it.
NOTE: I do this on wood every time I need to strip it. I have NOT tried this on fiberglass! I am interested to see what happens with fiberglass.
I wash the striped wood with varsol and sand lightly then wipe with a damp (water)cloth. The finished surface will take stain and finish coats well.
I plan to strip my hull this fall. It is in really rough shape. My plan is to power wash first then use a stripper. I will be doing the whole hull and repainting, but not using the ablative bottom paint.
 

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Oct 2, 2008
3,810
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
Hi Bad O,
I stripped our Catalina 30 with several different strippers. Soy Gel and Peel Away took two aplications to get down about ten coats of ablative. This stuff from Hamilton Marine did it in one. http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/bro...i-barrier-coat-safe-1-gal-148152/4,12691.html
I used 6 gallons all together, but can't say which was best overall. There were too many variables doing it outside (temperature and humidity) and bagging the residue, tarps, and brushes.
All U Get
 
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