Strip a lead keel....

[NYSail]

One of my projects is to strip my lead keel and refare and paint. When I purchased the boat, the hull had just been blasted to remove all paint, however I think he painted right on the lead with no or minimal prep. I have many bare lead spots where the paint is flaking off.

1 - What is the best way to take it down to the lead... sanding or some sort of acid. Figure I would start the project soon while the boat yard is empty.
2 - then should I fare out with epoxy, then barier coat

Thanks all

Greg

 

[Steve Dion]

Check out the Interlux/Yacht Paint website for specific instructions (of course it is specific for their products).

 

[Ed Schenck]

Just did that this past fall. And it was my own fault. When I bought the boat I took the bottom down to bare gelcoat and put on five coats of Interlux 2000E. Right, I should have done the keel. So I opted to let someone else take off the paint remembering too clearly all the work in 1999. I had the entire bottom soda blasted, best $600. I ever spent. After some fairing with West System I applied four coats of Interlux per Steve's recommendation above. Now she sits waiting for bottom paint in April.

 

[jibes138]

The problem with lead is :
1. It is toxic
2. It oxydizes almost immediately.
I used a belt sander and disc sander in an electric drill to strip mine, use a really good respirator so you don't inhale copper paint and lead dust. As soon as it is stripped, coat immediately with west system epoxy to seal it from oxydation. Put a second coat on to make sure you didn't miss any spots. Then use a barrier coat and put several coats of that, this makes a good base for paint adhesion. Next apply your paint, and then launch the boat.