Bottom paint protects fiberglass or metal boat from accumulations of slime, aquatic vegetation and barnacles. You may need to remove the bottom paint to treat fiberglass boat blisters, or to begin next year's coats with a clean surface. Although you'll find several ways to remove the bottom paint, chemical stripping is a straightforward alternative for many boat owners. You can choose from several brands of strippers, at least one of which is biodegradable and water-based.
Step 1
Determine your environmental requirements. Many states have adopted environmental water quality regulations that discourage transmission of toxic chemicals and pollutants into the water. Consult with your state's Department of Natural Resources or Department of the Environment for state-specific regulations.
The American Boating Association recommends you spread a heavy plastic drop cloth under the boat to contain stripped-off paint residue. Roll a PVC pipe into the cloth's edges to create a runoff barrier.
Step 2
Purchase your paint removal supplies. Follow the stripper manufacturer's directions for the correct quantity of stripper for your boat's bottom. Chemical stripper usually comes in multiple-gallon buckets. Some stripping systems include peel-off paper as well. Purchase several rollers and brushes for stripper application, as well as clean rags to clean up wayward spots. You'll also need a plastic scraper to remove the bottom paint.
Step 3
Don your personal protective gear. Wear a protective suit and heavy-duty goggles to protect your eyes. Read the manufacturer's directions to determine the proper chemical-resistant gloves. Perform your paint stripping operation outdoors for maximum ventilation, and do not attempt the work if it is breezy. If you have respiratory concerns, wear a respirator that excludes the stripper fumes. Keep other chemicals or sources of flame away from the stripper, notes Jamestown Distributors.
Step 4
Apply the chemical paint stripper. Follow the manufacturer's directions exactly, as each product has its own application protocol. Allow the stripper to cure for the recommended amount of time. Dumond Chemicals notes that one chemical stripper is water-based and biodegradable, and can be applied as a paste with rollers and brushes.
Step 5
Peel and scrape the bottom paint. Use a plastic scraper to carefully remove the bottom paint without gouging the hull. Make sure that all paint residue is contained on your plastic cloth. You'll find it reasonably easy to remove the paint if the stripper has been applied correctly.
Step 6
Wash off the chemical stripper residue. Once you have removed the bottom paint, apply a solvent wash recommended by the stripper manufacturer. This wash removes any remaining chemical residue. If you don't remove the rest of the chemical stripper residue, you risk future bottom paint failure, stresses BOAT/US.
Step 7
Safely dispose of your trash. Once you have completed your chemical stripping operation, dispose of the plastic cloth and other materials according to the manufacturer's directions. Carefully remove and dispose of your protective suit, and store other supplies as appropriate.
Tips and Warnings
- You can also remove boat bottom paint by sanding with an orbital sander. While this method is inexpensive, with Cruising World estimating the cost for a 30-foot boat at $100 in 2010, some marinas don't allow you to do your own work. You'll also need to protect yourself against the toxic dust, and the procedure is extremely taxing for your arms and shoulders. Finally, if you aren't a skilled sander, you can easily gouge holes and pits in your boat's bottom. One final option is soda blasting, usually performed by the marina using harmless baking soda.
Things You'll Need
- Information on your state's bottom paint removal environmental regulations
- Heavy plastic drop cloth
- PVC pipe for edges of cloth
- Chemical stripper in sufficient quantity
- Rollers
- Brushes
- Clean rags
- Plastic scraper
- Protective suit
- Heavy-duty goggles
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Respirator--if desired
- Solvent wash
- Bags and other disposal containment materials
References
- American Boating Association: ABA Clean Boating Program: Marinas Hull Maintenance Activities
- Jamestown Distributors: Paint Stripper Information
- Dumond Chemicals: Peel Away Smart Strip
- BOAT/US: How To: The Don Casey Library: The Bottom Line: Bottom Paint
- Cruising World: Sand, Blast or Strip Your Way to a Smooth Bottom
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