Paint Removal

[newbuoy]

Hi Guy's,
Could do with a little advice as a first time poster !
I recently purchased an 18 foot GRP river cruiser which probably needs a little more work than i first anticipated !
I have stripped down most of the fittings from the decks and started stripping the paint from the upper parts. It appears three coats have been applied over the original gel coat, over the years.
Up to now I have been using readily available paint stripper, paint scrapers and a good old wire brush. What I am quickly establishing is that this vessel maybe a museum piece by the time I have stripped all the paint off !!
I have been given various pieces of conflicting advice along the way including sand-blasting and steam-cleaning !
But have decided to ask the experts before I completely destroy my potential 'Pride and Joy'.
So here is your chance guys, to help the new boy and at the same time help him to prove the wife wrong ! This boat will float !!
So not only could I do with some good advice on the removal of the paint layers but also how to prepare the cleaned surface to accept a new coat. What should I re-paint the boat with ?

 

[fluffc]

If the existing paint won't budge, then leave it on!

Remove as much as will budge, then wash down with something strong. Sand down to a smooth finish, degrease, and paint again

 

[reginaldon]

If your wife is like my swmbo, she doesn't want it to float, mine says if she ever comes down to the boat it will be with a drill. I was going to call it 'The Other Woman' but I named it after swmbo instead
NB. I think fluffc is right.

 

[newbuoy]

Many thanks for early replies but if you saw the state of this paint job it's more of a case it has to be removed. Looks like the last layer has been applied to a very poorly prepared surface. The top coat is very un even and flaking all over. Call me a perfectionist but when finished I would prefer to be looking at something I'm proud of.

 

[abbott013]

It took me weeks to sand my boat, be prepared for some hard graft if you are determined to strip the lot of. as for paint stripper, probably best not to use, or not leave it on very long, very messy stuff it could react with grp. And wear a face mask, very important. good luck.

 

[William_H]

Fibreglass boats usually have an antiskid pattern molded into the decks in large patches. This creates a real problem if painted. The paint fills the hollows so it loses its antiskid properties and the paint is very difficult to remove.
About the only practical approach is to repaint using one of the antiskid additives to the paint for the antiskid areas.
As already suggested the smooth parts should be sanded smooth and painted. Caustic soda granules in water is a cheap if dangerous paint stripper. Use gloves glasses etc.
No one will ever notice your paint job but yourself, others are too busy taking in the whole boat so don't get too compulsive about the paint work. It will never be like new again. Boats are made to float and work not be admired. olewill

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Newbuoy and welcome to the YBW forums.

The fact that the last coat is peeling away may not be poor application but incompatibility with the underlying coat.

Either way you will have to remove at least the top coat and then some more to get a level finish.

Truth is, if the boat did not cost the earth you may be overcapitalising, as it will not add a lot to her value if she's an old river duck.

Sanding is (in my opinion only) the fastest and safest way to remove old paint, however you may need to hire an industrial quality sander, start with a 40 grit sheet then back to an 80 grit, finishing with a 125 grit, prime, fill any lows and top-coat.

Make sure you remove all of the top coat or you may have your nice new paint peeling off next season.

When looking into what paint to use to apply your new shiny finish, check with the paint supplier what test/s you will have to do to ensure it's compatible with the underling coat. Some only need a wipe with a couple of chemicals to indicate the paint type.

Hope this helps

Avagoodweekend an Chrissie......

 

[newbuoy]

Many thanks all for your more than useful advice. Looks like I still have a few hours work ahead of me. And thats just getting the paintwork acceptable ! The re-fit lies ahead of this !
Anyway will update you all with pictures in the spring.
Better go and attend to these blisters !!

Merry Christmas to you all and thanks again.

Phil
Newbuoy

 

[newbuoy]

P.S Any further advice would be gratefully recieved. On this topic I don't think I could possibly have too much advice, particularly if it saves my time !

Phil
Newbuoy