1994 Sea Nymph 14 R Refinish

[Guest]

Its time for me to request advice from my boating restoration brethren on a hull I need to refinish.

I have a 1994 Sea Nymph 14R Utility skiff that you see below.

Dad bought it new in 1994 as a bare aluminum hull with Sea Nymph decals.

Now for baring my soul to you, and admitting the dumb thing that I did:

I went ahead and peeled the decals off (in 1994), then proceeded to paint it with Rust-Oleum Flag Blue paint, with a white bottom and red boot top.

At the time, I used no primer, nor did I know enough to sand the hull surface. (you know where this is going....)

Well the paint stayed on the boat for the most part, but peeled off in "sheets" in other areas after getting wet (!) , I have since battled this shortcoming by repainting surfaces as they peeled away, which works sort of, but its not right.

Fast forward to now, I have a "patchwork" of different shades of blue that would otherwise look stunning if it was done right and all uniform.

Now I want to strip it back to the bare metal, properly sand the hull with 220 to provide "tooth" for a good primer, then (2) finish coats of Flag Blue and restore the paint properly.

Here's my plan, I wish to use a paint stripper to get the paint off, has anybody used stripper on an aluminum boat? I suppose I could have it soda blasted, but i don't know too much about that.

How would you guys go about stripping the paint of this boat for refinishing?

 

[ezmobee]

Most here prefer Aircraft Stripper for aluminum hulls.

That's a great looking nice deep 14' you got there.

 

[Guest]

Thank You

Is that a brand name? ezmobee? Aircraft stripper?

 

[ezmobee]

Looks like it's a Rustoleum product http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleu...5447/204643899

Edit: looks like there's a Klean Strip branded Aircraft remover too. I'd imagine they're similar.

 

[Woodonglass]

When you're ready to re-paint her, Lot's of guys here on the forum have had great success using this...

Paint Your Boat with Tractor Paint...Say What!!!

Read it carefully and you'll see how aluminum should be done. The HARDENER IS the key.

 

[Guest]

Ya know, Woody, I've heard you say that many times before.
So much so that I think you may very well be right.
It stands to reason that tractor paint would be a good abrasive resistant finish.
What Brand of Tractor Paint do you recommend?

 

[harleyman1975]

Make sure, sure, sure to get all stripper off before you start the priming and painting process or it will bleed back and soften the new paint! don't ask how I know that!

 

[Guest]

I thought about that harleyman, especially around the rivets.

 

[Watermann]

I like your little SN tinny and the attempted paint scheme too. :thumb:

I use the Jasco remover after trying everything else on the shelf I find it's the best after stripping 3 AL boats totaling 52 feet in length. I also use a pressure washer to remove the paint after it's bubbling up rather than a scrapper. Then finish tough spots with a 3M scub pad with handle. I hate to sand but it's about the only way to get a good paintable surface on the AL and break the smooth AL surface for the SE primer.

 

[Woodonglass]

Ya know, Woody, I've heard you say that many times before.
So much so that I think you may very well be right.
It stands to reason that tractor paint would be a good abrasive resistant finish.
What Brand of Tractor Paint do you recommend?

Read the link I posted. It has ALL the Details!!!

 

[Guest]

Watermann, that sounds like a winner, I have a power washer.

I thought once I stripped it, After cleaning it with soap and water (Dawn cuts oil based), I would leave the bare hull, upside down to the elements for a while just to make sure any residual stripper is "bled out" over time, then wash it down again before I sand.

Woody, I read your link, I may have to go that route.