How do you stop antifouling paint from flaking off every year, after the boat has sat on the hard for the winter? What causes it and what can I do to prevent it?
Improper prep causes it. Hull was probably not sanded when first painted.
No easy fix. Take it all off, sand the hull and re-apply. I use 60 grit to remove all the gloss.
Before applying a new coat of antifouling, I did do this every time, using a disk sander, but the flaking still occurrs. Does every trace have to be removed so no more black shows? What about a barrier coating? By the way, I have owned a wooden boat for 30 years before I got a fibreglass one, and never had this problem.
Improper prep causes it. Hull was probably not sanded when first painted.
No easy fix. Take it all off, sand the hull and re-apply. I use 60 grit to remove all the gloss.
You sanded the entire hull every time? My guess is you spot-sanded the bad areas only.
Whatever was done, if the paint is coming off then you have an adhesion problem.
Best to start over.
And yes- after stripping to bare gelcoat, a barrier coat should be applied prior to antifouling.
