Posted by franknall on 01/18/10 - 2:49 PM
#1
My boat has it looks bad. What is the best way to take it off or repaint it white. I rather have the plain gel coat look. freshwater boat
Posted by DWinter on 01/18/10 - 3:00 PM
#2
The best way is to have it soda blasted. Not necessarily the least expensive.
Posted by HarleyFXDL on 01/18/10 - 3:59 PM
#3
I had my boat soda blasted, cost about $600. While the results were not stellar, it is still a far cry from what it looked like. I still need to do a lot of wet sanding.
Posted by wezie on 01/19/10 - 7:13 PM
#4
This is an endless discussion. The simplest way is to have it done without any real heavy tools. Grinders and blasting will leave their signatures.
As to how difficult:
Much depends on the size of your boat.
How much paint and what type is on the boat?
Some comes off very easily while others are really thick and difficult to remove. Then there are layers.
How much time do you have?
Do you have a place to work on the boat?
Are you willing to get real dirty?
Most of the anti-fouling paints are toxic, so you need protective clothing and masks.
Do you have a means to lift the boat off the trailer? etc.......
I would try a small spot with 80 grit, then 80 grit wet, both on a sanding pad with soft backing.
Then you will know a lot of the answers.
There is one means that has some appeal; Go fishing and contemplate the problem, while it wears off.
Good Luck!
Posted by HarleyFXDL on 01/20/10 - 5:38 AM
#5
It is said................ "The best tool to use for removing bottom paint,
IS YOUR WALLET!" Over the years I've sanded my fair share of boat bottoms. It was hell when I was a kid and I could not imagine it being a load of fun now. The sanding creates A LOT of dust that gets everywhere. It is toxic, so I'm sure your neighbors will not welcome you with open arms when a cloud approaches their house.
Posted by LabCab on 01/20/10 - 6:26 PM
#6
When I was sanding I attached the orbital sander to a small wet/dry vacuum and had virtually no dust to contend with. If you do sand the stuff be sure and wear a mask. But first try power washing the bottom. That is if you don't have holes in the bottom. I first used chemical strippers to get the bottom paint off but then tried my fairly powerless electric power washer and it easily got most of the old bottom paint off. Check my personal page.