Removing Anti-foul Paint

[samm835]

My new boat has Anti Foul paint on it, the prior owner had it installed years ago. The boat is now trailered and if I could I would like to take the anti foul off and have the glass coat there. I am thinking that there is a very thin chance of this being easy, but if someone knows how it can be stripped and what needs to happen to the glass underneath other than a very good buff please let me know. If anyone has done this with good results please let me know also. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Removing Anti-foul Paint

you are better of painting it a pleasing color to you. the dust from sanding is toxic, the neighbors will be complaining.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Removing Anti-foul Paint

Sam, You best chance to restore the gelcoat is to have it sandblasted with a soft media. Use a 'blaster with some experience, and he should know what to use. The soft media is walnut shells of different grades, baking soda, some plastic media...

After this treatment, you may be able to buff up the gelcoat, or you may need to paint it for appearance.

 

[samm835]

Re: Removing Anti-foul Paint

Ah that does sound much easier...I am guessing I could look here at the online store to find a white/off white anti-foul paint and just go over what I have. Do you know if there will need to be any prep work to the coat that is currently on there like primer? Thanks for the help!

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Removing Anti-foul Paint

Sam, be sure to heed TD's advice if you take any sandpaper to that old paint. When he said it was toxic he wasn't kidding. (They don't call it "anti-fouling" for nothing - it's a biocide!) Be sure to wear a good quality mask if you do any sanding. I think some of the newer formulations aren't so bad, but that doesn't apply to some of the older ones. Take care.

 

[eastern27]

Re: Removing Anti-foul Paint

Prep work will depend on the condition and type of the old paint. If you don't know the type of paint on the bottom, sand it. prime it with the reccomend primer and paint it. I would use a good copolymer paint. It's made for trailered boats and keeps it's antifouling properties for a long time out of the water.