All,
I am embarking on my first bottom job over the coming few weeks before launching for the season. I have purchased 2 gallons of bottom
paint (ablative) that I am hoping will allow me two good coats on the hull of a 30'' sailboat. The bottom is in good condition and the existing bottom
paint has 3 coats (1, base, is black with 2 coats of blue over the black). In only a few spots is the black showing (in and around the rudder) a little bit. I want to prepare the bottom for fresh
paint and I don''t want to over look anything, hence this e-mail. I see people in the boat yard scraping and sanding with industrial sanders, chemicals, and all sorts of gadgets. I have 2 gallons of
paint, sand paper, and a couple of rollers, tape and some misc painting supplies. I don''t know if I should be laughing at myself or start painting - after I do some sanding. I am trying to determine what is an acceptable amount of preparation for this seasons bottom job (which I plan to do yearly or as required). I am planning to sand the bottom only to the point of providing the fresh
paint a surface to bond to. Is this enough or should I take it down further? How much is enough and too much. After sanding I am planning to apply 2 coats of fresh
paint over the course of 1-2 weekends as required. Does this sound right or am I missing something. I keep seeing all these people with mountains of equipment and gadgets and I think I am ill-prepared. Please help a Rookie.
Thanks in advance,
Rookie