Bottom paint removal Sanding vs Stripping

[JohnB]

It depends on what kind of paint is on there, and how well the surface was prepped. My standard answer would be to get someone else to do it . Soda blasting seems to be the perferred method. I guess everyone needs to strip one once. I did mine, never again. Stripper, than D/A sander.

[RalphNitt]

If you were closer to me, I could sodablast it...
We've done a 23' SeaCraft recently for a member.
If you're keeping your boat in the water, make sure you use a barrier coat (epoxy) before you bottom coat. Both gel-coat and bottom paint are porous - and who wants blisters?

[fishing_fanatic]

I too would like to know the best way to remove old bottom paint. If possible, I dont want to damage gelcoat which may or not be good though I assume it will be.

The paint is VERY old, the kind they quit selling YEARS ago. While using mild acid to remove brown stains, it would remove the paint too. I would rather not sand.

Heres a couple pics of what I mean



The rear area is probably the sparsest though the hull has hit and miss areas too

[Islandtrader]

MHO. The 21 I have did have 40 years of bottom paint on it. I tried chemical strippers and sanding. Trust me when I say, take it to a soda blaster, pay the dollars.

Thats what I did. The blasting will not hurt the gel coat. But you will have to prep and paint again.

[McGillicuddy]

Take it from the guys who've done it and if you got the cash have soda bash. If not check out this test from
practical sailor

http://www.franmar.com/practical.html
I've seen the soy sauce on ebay for $75 ... good luck oh, yeah, let the stripper do the work. Apply with brush usually in one direction, let sit and remove with a 3" putty knife. Save the sanding for paint prep.

[Islandtrader]

I have used this stripper. It works well on everything but bottom paint. I have a quart for sale, it you want to try it on your boat. I would give it a+ on anything but the bottom.

[wcshagdj1]

Where are you located ? I need one soda blasted. I hope its near the Big Rock that I fish !

[RalphNitt]

I'm in Morehead City

[wcshagdj1]

My boat is in Morehead. How can I get up with you ?