Epoxy Coating

[Guest]

I have just inherited an elderly Waarschip (1970's) which is of marine ply contruction, coated with epoxy.

The epoxy has naturally been painted/antifouled over. I'm unsure as to whether the paint used is one pack or two pack - any ideas?

Some of the paint is peeling/flaking and I intend to repaint the entire hull & deck (which has peeling deck paint).

I gather it is many years since the epoxy was applied - is it advisable to remove the paint & antifouling finishes down to the epoxy coating and apply a further epoxy coat? Or would it be OK to simply flatten down the existing paint finishes and repaint over these?

Whether or not a further coat of epoxy is required I'll need to repaint and wondered what paint would be best?

Any help gratefully received!

 

[AndrewB]

If its the original paint, most likely for that period is one-part polyurethane paint (e.g. International 707). It could even be enamel.

If you plan to use epoxy primer, I'd go with getting as much as possible of the original paint off. In theory you should not paint two-part epoxy over "softer" paints, but its actually fairly tolerant if there's a little bit left. Personally though, given the cost and difficulty of painting with epoxy/two-pack polyurethane, I'd go with a one-pack system for an old marine-ply boat.

If you haven't yet checked out the advice in the freebie International and/or Blakes painting leaflets, its worth collecting copies from your local chandler.

 

[Guest]

have made much use of a firm called industrial paint services in newport south wales. they supply hempels industrial range (far cheaper than marine) and give a good advice service . they stock both a normal epoxy undercoat and a vinyl one which has an element of flexibility in it. would recommend you spoke to them to get advice.
hempels own blakes so they have knowledge of the marine requirement.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Given that bits of the old coating are peeling, the implication is that its adhesion is on its last remaining legs. Therefoer, if you sand and paint over, you may well be painting onto a poorly adhered surface. Not a good idea.