Removing bottom paint

[ripcurl2785]

This winter i want to strip the bottom paint and barrier coat and then apply fresh bottom paint. I have a sand blaster attachment that goes on the power washer and i was wondering what the thoughts were on using this to strip the bottom? what is the difference between this and soda blasting?? if im really careful do you think it would work?

[rugman]

a lot more work then you think could possibly do more damage than good sandblasting.

[JD5652]

Rip-

I've been researching this for a long time. First of all, if you're not a professional in the sand blasting biz, I would recommend that this is NOT a DIY job. You can easily blast right through the gelcoat with a sand blaster and now you've got more problems than you started with.

Also in some areas of the country (such as the northeast) sand blasting is now outlawed due to the environmental concerns. The law just changed here in CT.

Do an internet search for soda blasters in your area. This has become quite a popular method of paint removal not only for boat bottoms but also for cars, bridges, graffitti, etc. I found pricing here in CT to be between $45 - $55 per foot. Then you can do any blister repairs, fairing, and barrier coating yourself.

Good luck!

[Finesse]

Rip-

I've been researching this for a long time. First of all, if you're not a professional in the sand blasting biz, I would recommend that this is NOT a DIY job. You can easily blast right through the gelcoat with a sand blaster and now you've got more problems than you started with.

Also in some areas of the country (such as the northeast) sand blasting is now outlawed due to the environmental concerns. The law just changed here in CT.

Do an internet search for soda blasters in your area. This has become quite a popular method of paint removal not only for boat bottoms but also for cars, bridges, graffitti, etc. I found pricing here in CT to be between $45 - $55 per foot. Then you can do any blister repairs, fairing, and barrier coating yourself.

Good luck!

JD literally took the words out of my mouth !
Our neighbor had his 31 Bert blasted many years ago, before these more gentle medias became available ... they almost needed to redo the entire bottom it was so pocked up. It was a MESS. Stick with the Soda blasting.

[jawz12]

This winter i want to strip the bottom paint and barrier coat and then apply fresh bottom paint. I have a sand blaster attachment that goes on the power washer and i was wondering what the thoughts were on using this to strip the bottom? what is the difference between this and soda blasting?? if im really careful do you think it would work?

i use a soda blast process-i do probably 10-15 bottom jobs every season,i have the paint blasted off,then comes the tough part,the finish part...if you would like more info,ask away...

[Cardinal Joe]

i use a soda blast process-i do probably 10-15 bottom jobs every season,i have the paint blasted off,then comes the tough part,the finish part...if you would like more info,ask away...

Jawz12 - you are correct , Soda Blasting is the easy part ! Cardinal Yachts has it own Soda Blasting Unit - there is a lot of work after the bottom paint is removed , and can be costly base on the condition of the boat !

Cardinal Joe

[bvette]

Jawz12 - you are correct , Soda Blasting is the easy part ! Cardinal Yachts has it own Soda Blasting Unit - there is a lot of work after the bottom paint is removed , and can be costly base on the condition of the boat !

Cardinal Joe

Soda blasting is the way to go. It is possible you can open up a bag of worms, in some cases if you have voids in the bottom they will open up. There is is no way of knowing until you blast the bottom. Also if you have blisters they may pop. You will have to grind and fill the voids or holes properly before the barrier coat goes on. The fine particals that get in the air and land on your boat or other boats in the area will absorb the paint dust into the gel coat and is difficult to get out. You will not see this until the boat sits and you get a dew and it dries. Cover as much as you can or hose off everything ASAP to avoid this.

[Satans_Chariot]

I've heard that finding the nearest rougue wave is an effective method...

[Cardinal Joe]

Soda blasting is the way to go. It is possible you can open up a bag of worms, in some cases if you have voids in the bottom they will open up. There is is no way of knowing until you blast the bottom. Also if you have blisters they may pop. You will have to grind and fill the voids or holes properly before the barrier coat goes on. The fine particals that get in the air and land on your boat or other boats in the area will absorb the paint dust into the gel coat and is difficult to get out. You will not see this until the boat sits and you get a dew and it dries. Cover as much as you can or hose off everything ASAP to avoid this.

Ditto !!!!!!!!!!!!! Couldn't have stated it better ! Cardinal Joe