Sanding bottom paint

[SeaingDouble]

I'm getting ready to sand the bottom of my boat and was wondering what grit sand paper I should use and with what kind of sander?<br />There is a few years of paint on there now but no major buildup. i just want to take it down enough for a new coat or 2 of ablative to stick.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Sanding bottom paint

If you have a few coats to get off, I would use marine grade (gellcoat safe) paint stripper. I did one last year with sand paper and will never do that again for the following reasons : 1) Even with a good quality respirator, I could still taste the residue. 2) the "fallout" from sanding gets into and on everything within 50 feet. 3) even with course grit paper, it kept clogging and would loose it's bite real quick.<br />This is just my opinion from experience.

 

[Ed Polguy]

Re: Sanding bottom paint

I use a 5" orbital sander, there about 50$ at HD or Lowes, also , 80 grit paper for the machine, the gold stuff, it won't clog as fast as other papers, if your at a marina , you'll probably have to put some tarps under your boat to catch the residue from the bottom paint. I use a 3M dust mask , and goggles. <br /> Good luck.