Removing anti-foul

[_monkey]

Hi all,



The new to me RIB I purchased in August has recently applied anti-foul, which I'd like to remove in the interests of aesthetics and fuel-efficiency.



Based on the helpful threads on RIB.net, I've tried various anti-foul removers and found that Owatrol Marine strip works on the top layer (appearance is grey/blue with the consistency of wall-paper paste). It's necessary to leave on for 12 hours (covered in cling film) then remove with pressure wash/plastic knife.



This reveals another coat underneath which is bright turquoise - I'm not sure if this is an undercoat or a previous treatment of anti-foul. This layer is proving troublesome. The Owatrol Marine Strip is ineffective. I've tried EcoSolutions Home Stip, acetone and cellulose thinners.



I was considering trying International's Anti-foul remover next, but I am now considering paying for a blasting treatment such as the dry-ice method which appears to be the lowest impact on the gel coat. Has anyone tried this approach?

[beamishken]

That sounds like an epoxy coat been applied to prevent osmosis your soda blast may be the best option it will leave the surface matt but if someone has gone to the trouble of epoxy coating it its likely they abraded the gelcoat first so you may have your work cut out getting it back to a good finish

[Stresspill]

The turquoise is clearly an epoxy primer.

[paintman]

As it's a recent purchase have you tried asking the previous owner?

[_monkey]

Originally Posted by paintman

As it's a recent purchase have you tried asking the previous owner?

Tried that - the boat was purchased via a broker who has been helpful, but the flow of information dried up post sale. I’ll know for next time!

[_monkey]

Originally Posted by _monkey

Hi all,



The new to me RIB I purchased in August has recently applied anti-foul, which I'd like to remove in the interests of aesthetics and fuel-efficiency.



Based on the helpful threads on RIB.net, I've tried various anti-foul removers and found that Owatrol Marine strip works on the top layer (appearance is grey/blue with the consistency of wall-paper paste). It's necessary to leave on for 12 hours (covered in cling film) then remove with pressure wash/plastic knife.



This reveals another coat underneath which is bright turquoise - I'm not sure if this is an undercoat or a previous treatment of anti-foul. This layer is proving troublesome. The Owatrol Marine Strip is ineffective. I've tried EcoSolutions Home Stip, acetone and cellulose thinners.



I was considering trying International's Anti-foul remover next, but I am now considering paying for a blasting treatment such as the dry-ice method which appears to be the lowest impact on the gel coat. Has anyone tried this approach?

Update on this; tried International’s Interstrip, thinners no.7 and 3 - no.7 removed a tiny amount,so I’ll try again this week.

I’ve started the search for someone to blast using dry-ice or soda. Has anyone tried this approach?