Ablative Bottom Paint Prep.

[Jim Jamieson]

I have used Pettit's Aqua Clean water based paint ablative bottom paint for two seasons in CT and now find large patches that have flaked off. I plan to sand and recoat these areas for sure but wonder what is required for the rest of the intact paint. Some say don't do anything, paint over the remainder (bottom was power cleaned) while others say to light sand. Of course I put the ablative on to reduce or eliminate sanding. Any experience or suggestions? The stuff worked very well - no barnacles and minimum water line grass.
thanks
jim



james.jamieson@yale.edu

[Lee H. Hodsdon]

Hi Jim,

The loss of adhesion might be caused by an incompatability between the Pettit Aqua Clean and the old bottom paint. When I covered LOKI with an Interlux ablative, I stripped the hull to the old barrier coat, applied a new barrier coat and then the ablative paint.

We'll look for you this summer.

Sincerely,

Lee



lhodsdon@nh.ultranet.com

[Pete Zwiefelhofer]

I've been using interlux redhand, a water-based ablative, for years. Each year I put a new coat over the old with basicly no prep except a bit of washing.



peter@zwiefelhofer.com

[Bill Bloxham]

I don't know about your paticular paint (I use ACP50), but I know that when I called Pettit's tech department they called back within two hours both times and gave me realistic advise. The area code is 973 (Rockaway, NJ) and the company is listed as Kop-Coat (www.rpminc.com/kopcoat.htm ). They would know, and I don't think they would give you the easy answer, just the right one. Good luck.
Bill



mmmmmmbill@aol.com