Waxing Ablative Paint

[bud weaver]

I am giving up on trying to sand the old anti-fouling (Interlux) off of the bottom of the hull and paint stripper along with all of the other associated factors involved with it's application is just too expensive and not worth it to me. The question I have is this, can an ablative paint be waxed? This is on a seasonal boat that spends most of it's life on the trailer. I know that an ablative paint is good for about 3 seasons out of the water (or so I've been told) and I am not too concerned with worrying about picking up any "hull cooties" for the few times it will be in the water. Besides, I like the contrasting blue color on the hull bottom.<br />Thanx!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

From what i can remember from when I switched over,that was something that you could not do.the paint is designed to slowly wear off which means it is softer than other paints.A hard paint would be a better choice if waxing is important to you for speed I assume. Charlie

 

[DJ]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

bud,<br /><br />crazy charlie is 100% correct.<br /><br />Ablative paints are designed to waer off. That's why nothing sticks to them.<br /><br />You cannot wax them.

 

[bud weaver]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

Thanx Charlie. Yes, I want to get the speed to the maximum, least amount of drag. This boat has had paint on it and I am stuck with keeping paint on it from here on out. You know, once painted always painted applies here. The base gelcoat was rough sanded so in order to get the boat back to a nice, smooth surface it would entail WAYYYY too much work so now I am stuck. Have you heard of "Super Shipbottom"? Is this stuff any good?<br />Thanx!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

Believe it or not waxing will not get you the maximum speed.the ability of water to bead will not enhance your speed.i remember reading it a while back .I think it was in Boating magazine.The better way to go is with hard paint,I think epoxy was the hardest,very fine sanded to get any roller stubble smoothe and then buff it with a wheel.It specifically stated "no wax".After buffing it will work up to a shine.This was specifically for speed.I hope this helps. Charlie

 

[bud weaver]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

Helps alot! I did'nt know that. Thanx for the tidbid of knowledge, Charlie and for helping me save a bunch of work!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

I will send you a consultation bill.About how much money and time did I save you????We can split 50/50-----Glad to help!!!! Charlie

 

[bud weaver]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

Bud,<br /><br />I found this out by accident. Get a hold of Greased Lightning cleaner (http://www.greased-lightning.com) Spray it on, let it sit for a minute or two and then wash it of with a good stream of water. I washed my boat the other day and some just dripped on the antifouling and it took it right off!

 

[bud weaver]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

I'll try it!<br />Thanx Ralph!

 

[flashback]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

Ever feel the skin of a shark? feels like sandpaper, not smooth. I think the theory is to get a thin layer of water to cling to the body of the shark, this creates a kind of lubrication where friction is reduced because you have water sliding against water...I know they sand the bottom of racing sailboats to achieve this effect..goodluck......

 

[93bronco]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

if the boat is being trailored i would remove all the anti foul and paint it with <br />interlux VC performance epoxy bottom finish (white)<br />i had the same problem as you , but i made the mistake of repainting with antifoul.

 

[bud weaver]

Re: Waxing Ablative Paint

How much of the anti-foul do you have to remove? It is a BIG PITA to get this stuff off. Does th eepoxy need a primer coat before application or will it adhere over some old anti-foul?