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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

What is on my hull??

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newell
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/19/2007 : 09:00:01

Folks:

I have something on my hull that is peeling off. At first I thought it was Vertglas or Polyglass but I have tried everything to get it off (Ammonia, vinegar, paint remover, floor stripper, acetone,Polyprep) and nothing will touch it. Does anyone have any idea as to what this stuff might be?? It is very thin and looks like a layer of acrylic or polyurethane.

If I have to resort to wet sanding it off, what grit paper do ou recommend?

HELP!!!!!

newell

Newell
1980 C25 SR/SK
AVALON

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 09:08:50

Clear? Amber? White? Sounds suspiciously like some DPO painted your hull (maybe Awlgrip or Imron)... This is generally what happens. Hopefully, the color contrasts at least slightly with the underlying gelcoat. If so, a small orbital sander with the finest possible sandpaper (do some tests) should get it off and leave the gelcoat. Hand sand around any corners and edges. Wear a mask and goggles. I wish you the best...

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 10/19/2007 09:16:13

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4300 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 09:57:00

I would start out with 1600 or maybe 2000 grit sandpaper. Then progressively move to 2400 and maybe even 3000 to finish. The higher the number the finer the grit. You will be amazed how shiny a hull will look after using 2500 - 3000 grit.

Use at your own risk though!

Edited by - GaryB on 10/19/2007 09:59:35

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 10:11:44

You'll have to experiment with the grit--it depends on the material you're taking off, the pressure you want to apply, the sander you're using, etc. You really don't want to cut through the gelcoat. The original boat had about 1/16th inch of gelcoat (on average), so you should be able to cut the paint off without going through, although this raises the question of why the hull was painted. 3000 grit and then some 3M fiberglass restorer (which has a very mild compound) should finish it up, unless you prefer Poly Glow or Vertglas.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 10:59:32

Try powerwashing it off...

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newell
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 12:19:04

Thanks for the thoughts. I have tried to power wash it off and a good deal of it came off. However, where it has adhered well it will not come off. The stuff is clear like Vertglas but when it comes off it is very thin and looks whitish. The fellow that put the stuff on is now dead so I can't ask him what it is. It might be worth noting that the underlying gel coat is in very good condition so I think it was put on as a permanent shine.

Any more thoughts before I get out the sander????

newell

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 12:40:06

Vertglass and PolyGlow have specific strippers, I suppose I would buy some and try it.
Vertglass is at lovettmarine.com

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newell
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 13:29:13

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Frank Hopper
 Vertglass and PolyGlow have specific strippers, I suppose I would buy some and try it.
Vertglass is at lovettmarine.com
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I actually called POlyglow and they told me that their stripper would also remove Vertglas...however, it did not work. So, I guess I am back to sanding.

newell

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2007 : 13:34:46

Yup--Poly Prep is mean stuff. I think you have some sort of urethane, which generally isn't phased by paint strippers, much less polymer finish strippers. The whitishness might be some gelcoat chaulk. How about some heat (not so much as to soften the gelcoat) along with dull scraper? Just grasping.....

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 10/19/2007 13:38:42

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2007 : 18:19:05

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">The fellow that put the stuff on is now dead so I can't ask him what it is.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

In that case be careful, could be toxic.

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