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Painting the bottom of the boat is vital in keeping marine life from attaching to the boat, and it offers an extra layer of protection from water damage. However, with time, paint removal is inevitable if you are to prevent osmotic blisters, otherwise known as gelcoat blisters. These blisters, common in fiberglass boats, contain water, which permeates the laminate if left unchecked.
You’ll find various reasons behind the blisters, including the boat idling in water for too long, or lack of a primer before applying antifouling paint. Regardless, if you know how to remove boat bottom paint, you can apply a fresh coat and keep your boat protected from the elements. Read on to discover more on boat bottom paint removal in the sections below.
Required Materials for this Process
Paint removal takes some time therefore, it is better to allocate several days and do it in stages. For organisation purposes, gather all the things you require in one place for easy access. Some things you’ll need are:
- A scraper/sander
- Plastic cover to protect the surface
- Protective eyewear
- Gloves
- Rubbish bags
- Masking tape
- A brush to scrub off the remaining paint.
- Bucket of water/hose
- Paint remover/stripper
Expected Cost
The cost will depend on the method you select and the size of the boat. Sanding is considerably cheaper than soda blasting, which can cost around $130 per hour. Using chemical strippers is not as expensive as soda blasting, with a price range of above $70 per gallon. Consider your budget range and pick a method that will fit within that limit.
How to Remove Bottom Paint from Gelcoat
Removing antifouling paint off the bottom is no easy feat. If you have an extensive boat, you may spend a week or more trying to get the paint, depending on the method you choose.
Sanding the paint off
Sanding is faster and is considered more affordable than using chemical strippers, however, it requires a lot of energy. Regardless, if you are sanding a big or small boat, you’ll have to contend with sore muscles at the end of the day. The best sander for removing bottom paint should be ergonomic and lightweight to lessen the strain on the muscles.
On top of that, the dust produced from sanding tends to cover everything around. Wearing a disposable overall, some protective glasses, gloves and a particulate respirator will help keep the paint dust from harming your body.
Utilizing chemical strippers
Instead of sanding or blasting the paint off, using chemical methods is also a viable suggestion. You can easily purchase gel remover or a paint stripper and apply it yourself. Following the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to chemical products is vital in ensuring it works as it is supposed to. Using paint strippers takes a while because you must give the stripper a couple of hours to loosen the paint.
If this method appeals to you, ensure that you have protective gear. Work with gloves and wear a mask to avoid inhaling unnecessary fumes. Luckily, there are paint removers that are environmentally friendly and have no toxic fumes, such as the Smart Strip Paint Remover, which are accessible at reasonable prices.
Before you apply the stripper, the boat’s bottom has to be clean, and that is where cleaners like the STAR BRITE EZ-ON EZ-Off come in. Cleaners like these remove any slime, rust, or deposits on the surface without damaging the gelcoat.
Soda blasting
If you have money to spend, soda blasting is commendable as it leaves the gel coat intact, unlike sanding which tends to pit the surface. Soda blasting is usually done in professional environments, as it is a labor-intensive process that requires considerable cleanup. The larger the boat, the more you’ll pay as most services charge per foot.
Precautions That You Have to Take Before Starting the Process
Here are a few things to note as you engage in removing bottom paint.
- Regardless of the method you select, the bottom should be clean before the process begins. A clean surface makes it easier to see if the paint removal method is working.
- Always wear protective gear to prevent particulates from entering the eyes or nose.
- Place a plastic cover on the surface you are working on to protect it and make dirt collection easier.
- Make sure that the paint remover is suitable for the material of the boat. You cannot pick any paint stripper as it may damage the gel coat.
- Be careful while removing bottom paint with a pressure washer to avoid removing paint above the designated area.
- After removing the anti-fouling paint, let the surface dry before reapplying a reliable anti-fouling paint such as TotalBoat JD Select Ablative Antifouling Bottom Paint (for Fiberglass, Wood and Steel Boats)
- Do not be in a hurry; work in sections and apply enough product to ensure proper coverage.
FAQs
How to remove bottom paint from gelcoat?
- Clean the surface of the boat in preparation for paint removal.
- If you are using a paint stripper, apply the paint stripper according to the instructions and leave it on the surface for a couple of hours.
- Using a scraper, remove the layers of loose paint, making sure not to be too hard on the surface and ruin the gel coat.
- Apply another coat to loosen any left paint and use a brush or pressure washer. Removing bottom paint with a pressure washer is very effective, especially in ridding the paint the scraper or stripper did not remove.
- Let the boat dry in preparation for repaint.
How much does it cost to bottom paint a boat?
Before you set out to remove bottom paint, consider the size of the boat and how much you can spend. Then, you can select a paint removal process that fits the budget. Even if you choose to use sanding, which is the more affordable option, you still have to consider the number of grade 80 sandpaper you’ll use.
Does boat bottom paint removal take long?
Yes, it does take some time regardless of the method you select. It is better to take your time and ensure the job is well done, and there is no damage to the gel coat because that would be another issue. If you have a small boat, two days should be adequate, but a larger boat will take longer.
Last Thoughts
While it is easier to ignore the gelcoat blisters for a while, you cannot layer more paint on top and expect the problem to go away. The good news is that removing bottom paint is an occasional thing, probably once a year.
Paint removal is necessary as a corrective measure, and it gives the boat better protection with a new layer of paint. Whichever method you use, apply a primer before the anti-fouling paint to make sure the paint adheres well.
