Bottom Paint Source

Ironfish · 03-21-2012, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoBozo

The old paint HAS to come off.

Not necessarily. The new paint has to be the same as (or compatible with) the old paint, and the old paint has to be structurally intact. I have an ocean boat that stays in the water year round (south winters and north summers). Four years ago, it was stripped to the gel coat, Interlux barrier coated (prevents water intrusion into the fiberglass, aka blisters), and painted with 4 coats of Micron brand antifouling bottom paint.

Every year since, it has been hauled, cleaned, scuff sanded, and painted with a single coat of Micron bottom paint, right over the old paint. I probably won't have to strip it to the gelcoat for another 10 years.

If the bottom paint isn't peeling off, a marina can have a sample of the paint tested, and a new coat of the same (or similar/compatible) paint can be applied over the old paint. It's done all the time, and for that matter, most of the time.

Most bottom paints contain copper. Recently, low/no copper paints have been introduced, that are apparently more eco friendly. Some people claim that the copper free paints do not do as good a job at inhibiting growth, but that is probably a non issue for seasonal lake use. However, finding a copper free bottom paint that is compatible with older paint may be a challenge.

drifter · 03-21-2012, 10:21 AM

Another option for blasting away the bottom paint and it's reportedly gentler on the gelcoat and easier to clean up afterwards is a type of blasting with dry ice. there are just a few companies that do it but its basically dust free and the only material to be disposed of afterwards is whatever came off the bottom of your boat. Something to look into....

gf2020 · 03-22-2012, 06:27 PM

Since you are on the East side of the lake, I would reach out to Andy Brousseau at Complete Marine Care in Tuftonboro and have him take care of the whole job.

I tow my boat 100 miles each way to his shop each October to have him service and store my boat.

Andrew Brousseau
Complete Marine Care LLC
603-651-9727

http://www.completemarinecare.com/

03-21-2012, 10:21 AM	#2
drifter Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	another thought Another option for blasting away the bottom paint and it's reportedly gentler on the gelcoat and easier to clean up afterwards is a type of blasting with dry ice. there are just a few companies that do it but its basically dust free and the only material to be disposed of afterwards is whatever came off the bottom of your boat. Something to look into....

03-22-2012, 06:27 PM	#3
gf2020 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North of Boston Posts: 203 Thanks: 11 Thanked 35 Times in 28 Posts	Since you are on the East side of the lake, I would reach out to Andy Brousseau at Complete Marine Care in Tuftonboro and have him take care of the whole job. I tow my boat 100 miles each way to his shop each October to have him service and store my boat. Andrew Brousseau Complete Marine Care LLC 603-651-9727 http://www.completemarinecare.com/