bottom paint removal

catman115 · #1 03-02-2004, 12:46 PM

Its almost gettin that time again.. Getting the boat ready for the season. I'm sure this thread has been covered b4. I want to change the bottom paint color from blue to black. Should i scrape off what is easy and paint over the rest ??or strip the whole thing down ?? I know that sanding is a major pain in the keester..

Reel Smoker · #2 03-02-2004, 01:00 PM

Personally I would use an oven cleaner like Mr Muscle it takes it all of ,but if its not to built up with paint you can sand it ,but the oven cleaner works very good.

catman115 · #3 03-02-2004, 02:12 PM

Really ?? oven cleaner ? will it go through a few coats of paint without harming the gel coat ?? I guess multiple applications will be required. What about the thick viscosity paint removers for wood painted surfaces ?? I'll read the can when i get home tonite..I'll definately stop by the grocery and pick up some oven spray.

Rich · #4 03-02-2004, 02:40 PM

I tried a can of easyoff oven cleaner, didn't even make dent. It must only work on certain kinds of bottom paint.

ScottM · #5 03-02-2004, 03:05 PM

Catman,
If you don't have a lot of paint buildup already, you can go right over the existing paint (assuming you're using the same type). A few seasons ago, we stripped my father's SC with Stripeez (sp?), a paint remover meant for wood. It worked really well, but don't let direct sunlight hit it while it's on the hull, it will soften the gel coat!! It happened to us - a 1" square section at the water line got hit with sunlight and the gel coat got a little goopy. Luckily we caught it in time to prevent any real damage.

Scott · #6 03-02-2004, 11:58 PM

Is the existing paint in relatively good shape and what kind is it ?? ....

Have you thought of putting an ablative paint on the boat ?? Using the blue as an indicator as to when more black is needed

catman115 · #7 03-03-2004, 09:50 AM

The existing paint is not bad. some peeling here and there. The boat sat out all of last season due to the birth of my twin boys. The paint is the copper based ablative from post marine. If I'm not mistaken don't the manufacturers recommend that freshly painted surfaces should not be exposed for more than 2 weeks ? I think the air compromises some of the chemical integrity. That being said, since my boat sat dry for the season I don't know if I have to strip since I'm changing colors. I'm probably making a mountain out of a mole here on this one.. gimmie a roller !!!!!