Paint Prep Question

[rucaradio]

While I'm in the middle of a floor/stringer/transom rebuild, my wifey has decided she wants to repaint the top half of the boat. I've directed her to iBoats, and she's found a TON of information about the 'ol roll and tip.

One question - what is a good solvent to remove wax and debris from fiberglass? I know Interlux makes a "solvent" remover, but is there anything that will work I can pick up at Lowe's or Home Depot (acetone, etc)?

Please help! She wants to get this started! lol

 

[danond]

Re: Paint Prep Question

MEK or Methyl Ethyl Ketone. Body shops have it on the shelf.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Paint Prep Question

I struggled with this one too. The Interlux 202 solvent wash you are referring to is good stuff, I have used it, but it is expensive and you have the wait time to consider. I contacted Mas epoxy about this subject because I was doing a fairing job on a deck at the time. They recommended Lacquer thinner stating it was "cleaner", meaning purer, than Acetone and flashed (evaporated) slower. Basically the idea is to use a good strong solvent that stays on the surface long enough so that the wax residue can be wiped off. Another good trick is to wash with a wet rag followed immediately with a clean dry one. Keep a good amount of clean rags and switch them often while dewaxing. You cannot tell if the wax is completely removed, so do more cleaning than you think is necessary. Be anal about it. I have not used MEK but I have also heard it is good stuff as well.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Paint Prep Question

You could try some Vinegar m8.

YD.

 

[rucaradio]

Re: Paint Prep Question

Picked up a gallon of lacquer thinner yesterday and it works like a champ.. Thanks for the tip!