Removal of Gelcoat with hot gun and scraper

[catmandoo]

Any body with any experience ? I believe this was the method in the old days when current machines were not available ?

 

[orizaba]

a really hard job to do and you have to be carefull you don't delaminate the raw fibreglass underneath, due to the heat i guess it depends on the area to do but there are some posts etc on this subject re coppercoat removal, its possible to remove thick deck paint with heatgun and scraper,

 

[sarabande]

Check the by-products of pyrolysis of GRP before you do this please !

 

[catmandoo]

I'm told heat gun capacity only 1.5 Kw by person who did it before a long time ago .
In any case intention of operator is to try small area first .

Unfortunately yard wont allow grit blasting due to risk on contamination of other boats despite sheeting etc

 

[orizaba]

"Check the by-products of pyrolysis of GRP before you do this please"


might be being a bit ignorant here but could you explain what the above means

 

[catmandoo]

Suspect it means that heating resins above a limiting temperature produces inflammable gases . Like most of these things however it depends on how you control the heat and dissipate the gases formed

 

[Talbot]

Personally I would not consider doing it that way. If the only option is a non-grit blast I would purchase a Gelplane and then consider a hot vac treatment to dry out quickly ready for the epoxy coats.

 

[orizaba]

ah catmandoo just realized coppercoat problem, reckon the gelplane would be a good answer to your problem,i'd think you'd have no problem selling it on after,
probably right about the gas explanation

 

[sarabande]

Not only the gases, but also particulates (tiny bits of burnt resin and filler) and glass fibres. They are very very nasty; they go right through ordinary protective clothing and into the skin, which is why the Fire Brigade are so wary of dealing with accidents to planes and cars with composites (e.g. carbon fibre)

 

[catmandoo]

Gel plane is costly for a one off operation £1400 plus vat plus shipping . Blades cost £7.5 for two plus Vat etc

Not possible to hire in area where I am so if doesn't work fall back is grinding

Wish me luck