Stripping Bottom Paint

M

MikeeH

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I want to add some scuff protection tape to the bow of our SR so I need to first completely remove bottom paint from the area. So, what's the best method to remove old ablative paint without removing or badly impacting the gel coat? Paint remover? Acetone? Or will it require sanding (which I would really like to avoid)?
TIA.
 
depends. if they put it on properly - in other words sanded the gel coat to scuff it up before applying -- you aren't getting it off without sanding, or perhaps soda blasting. At least I never could. If they painted right over smooth & waxy gelcoat, chemicals may do the trick. Are there any spots on the hull where the bottom paint wore away, and you see original hull color? That's usually a good tell.

People swear by the peel-away and aqua strip type products. But they've never worked for me. mek, acetone, all the nasty stuff works much better.
 
If you are committed to installing the scuff tape, which is a small area I presume, try the chemicals. Failing that, an electric multi purpose with a sanding pad, use a light touch at the point of the bow.

But is it really worth it? do you beach it that often?
 
To answer your questions,
alk, yes, there are areas where the old ablative has worn enough that I can see the original gelcoat.
BB, beaching is not a concern. I put the boat on a Jet Dock so its the point where the bow initially rides up on the dock that takes a beating.
So, chemical stripper first and we'll see how that does. I start with acetone and see if I need something more aggressive.
Thanks guys!
 
I am thinking you should use tape to outline the area. Maybe a couple of layers.
 
I have also used smooth bedliner in a spray can to create the "scuff barrier".

Outline the area where you want the scuff protection with tape. Sand/scuff the existing paint and spray several coats of smooth bedliner on the area.
 
I doubt that acetone will get it off. I'd go right to one of the chemical strippers designed to do this.
 
Promise me you won't laugh re my method to remove bottom paint right down to gel coat. I've used a 2 1/2" wide wood chisel. Just stay away from any curved points to prevent the edge of the chisel gouging fiberglass & gel coat. Try a small section & see if it works for you. If not go the other routes suggested.

BOB J
 
Thanks, Bob. I'm not laughing but I feel like you need a surgeon's touch to prevent damaging the gelcoat. My hands are not a surgeon's or a pianist's hands. In fact, when I was in China the kid's in my apartment complex told me I had "hand like Shrek".
 
Mike, not at all! Once you get down to the gel coat; the paint just peels off like using a razor to remove a label off a window or mirror. I'm telling you it works sooo well. Wayback when; I did my 28' Luhrs in 1 weekend.
BOB J
 
OK. I'll try the wood chisel method! Hopefully it works but I must admit that I am skeptical, primarily because its an ablative paint. Hey, but what the hell do I know?? :-)
 
Nothing ventured; Nothing gained ! We'll wait for your thanks & appreciate comments !

BOB J
 
Well, since it will be a while before I get to it I say now, thanks, and I do appreciate all the input and suggestions.
(But I did say TIA in the OP)
 
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