Aluminum Boat Stripping

[joemamma_222]

Hey all I just bought a 1967 Alumacraft Lone Star. The Hull has about 3 coats of paint on it and the inside has one coat. The Stripper I've been using "strip eeez" seems to be working on the one coat paint but the hull is fast becomming a messsssss. I have a friend that will provide me with the aluminum prep solution to prep bare aluminum for paint but the 3 coats on the Hull look to possibly be lead based ? the stripper is just spreading it around not bubbling it off. A real MESSS. I was wondering if I could just rough up the paint with sandpaper and paint over the existing layers ? Or is there really a stripper out there that will work through the layers ? Or a special stripper for lead based paint ? Any help will certainly be appreciated ! Thanks ! Love the board !

 

[seadogg2]

Re: Aluminum Boat Stripping

hello joemamma_222<br />I just finished stripping 35+ years of paint and crud from my 16 foot Ouchita aluminum boat. I used a metal paint stripper I purchased at Home Depot. It is called BIX metal stripper. I used 2 gallons, 2 packages of steel wool and a lot of elbow grease. I applied the stripper and let it sit for 20 minutes orso then I was able to use a putty knife to remove most of the old paint. I then reapplied the stripper and used the steel wool to finish the area. It was a lot of work but was worth it as the boat looks almost brand new now.

 

[bandit]

Re: Aluminum Boat Stripping

not sure if there's a reason why you can't use a sand blaster on alum. if you don't get to wild with it. i have never tried it but don't see why it wouldn't work.plus less elbow grease.

 

[Fergulus]

Re: Aluminum Boat Stripping

I'm not an expert on sandblasting, but the sand is too abrasive. You will eat throught you hull!<br /><br />Now, i would suggest that you use something less abrasive than silica for the sand-blaster. I've heard that crushed walnut shells work quite nicely.

 

[joemamma_222]

Re: Aluminum Boat Stripping

Thanks for all the replies...The main problem is the 3 coats...the bottom paint wont scrape either. It smears.....Can I just sand the whole thing down with 150 grit. then 220 and treat the exposed aluminum areas to accept paint ....then paint the whole thing ? Idf so Any suggestions on a Nice spray can type paint ? <br />Thanks again ! almost on the water ! (got 2 cylinders that arent cooling right though) UGG

 

[joemamma_222]

Re: Aluminum Boat Stripping

SEADOG:<br /><br />How many coats did you have on the boat ? Could this be lead paint ???

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Aluminum Boat Stripping

There is a product out there called TAL-STRIP it is an aircraft paint remover. I have yet to find any kind of paint or finish this stuff wont cut bar none. You can get it at a commercial auto body supplier. Just be careful because it will burn the skin.

 

[NathanY]

Re: Aluminum Boat Stripping

On my old Richline, I used the aerosol can stuff that you buy a WalMart. Just dont get it on your hands or in your eyes. It will leave a severe burn. Just let it sit, long enough to drive to the local car wash and then spray it off.

 

[seadogg2]

Re: Aluminum Boat Stripping

Hello joemamma <br /> There were 4 coats of different paints on it. The last one was an epxoy based paint that was very hard in places. The stripper only seemed to liquidfy this paint but caused the other coats to bubble up and come off much easier. Thats why I used the steel wool to scratch/reomove as much of the epoxy paint that I could then went back with the stripper to remove the other coats. With any luck and weather permitting I am going to repaint her this weekend w/a marine polyurathane paint.<br />Good luck with the project. <br />

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Aluminum Boat Stripping

what exactly is the spray on stuff at Wal Mart? I like this idea, lol<br /><br />how tough is it on the exposed aluminum? is it caustic? I have 18 feet of boat to do, and shes covered with some brushed on swill that isnt bubbling, but isnt smooth, isnt bright, and isnt staying on MY boat, lol ... this Starcraft is my all purpose boat, light enough for the lakes and a little electric motor (eventually, TWIN electric motors, lol), yet beamy with LOTS of freeboard, Delaware Bay and some off the beach ocean running arent a problem - this boat is the Swiss Army Knife of boats, I love the thing and I want her as close to perfect as I can get, without going too crazy on the details (no contrast sanding to get every little ripple out!)<br /><br />Once the hardware is stripped off, how hard on the boat is it to have her over keel up? I was thinking a few cross boards on the trailer to keep her mobile, but still supported so she wouldnt be stressed , any thoughts on this?<br /><br />thanks!