How to spruce up molded in non-skid deck???

[retclt]

I bought a portable sand blaster for a previous boat that worked really well. It was great for cleaning out the old paint in the non skid. I use it for all kinds of stuff now.

They don't make mine any more but it was similar to this one . . .

Northern Industrial Abrasive Blaster with FREE U.S. Patented Deadman Handle — 5-Gallons | Portable Abrasive Blasters | Northern Tool + Equipment


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[olepedersen@yahoo.com]

On my thirty year old boat, I use a household product available in most grocery stores tilex mildew remover, in a spray bottle I do 3 steps . 1 pressure wash the decks well, and let completely dry.2spray one area with tilex , scrub nonskid with a stiff deck brush leave till almost dry then pressure wash off. works for me Ole

[SiXeVeN]

Sandblasting... hmmm. That might actually work. Messy but would get into all those little pits and get them scrubbed out. I could then powerwash out the grit and prime/paint. I'll have to look into that.

BTW, I called a local boat painter and he said he would have to sand flat the molded in non-skid and then paint it with Interdex. Also said it would be major $$$ (of course )

I liked this molded in nonskid when the boat was new but now it is a huge PITA!!!

[maccauley123]

I am taking a similar approach to heinzir. He is using Durabak which I looked at but decided to go with Kiwi Grip. I have heard great reviews and hoping for good results. Good cleaning, lots of taping and then just put it down.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by SiXeVeN

Sandblasting... hmmm. That might actually work.

True sandblasting is a bit harsh... and potentially damaging. Most use soda blasting as a more controlled way of removal, and even that can remove gelcoat. Retclt's sandblaster setup could probably do it, just use a gentler medium. At work we use a glass beader to clean parts - another "gentle" sandblaster application.

If you use a "sandblaster" I'd practice at a distance and see how effective it is and whether or not you actually remove material, rather than just dirt and grime.

[sailingdog]

I think pressure washing is far safer than any type of material blasting.

[jbondy]

One of our neighbors in the boatyard had to recore his entire deck. When done, he put treadmaster down as non-skid. It's a little pricey, but glued down easy and looked great. He used a color similar to the pain Banshi used.

[easygoing]

I've the same problem. I was told to use cool seal compound like used on a roof of a house trailer. I will let you know if it works and what it looks like.LOL

[retclt]

Originally Posted by Faster

True sandblasting is a bit harsh... and potentially damaging. Most use soda blasting as a more controlled way of removal, and even that can remove gelcoat. Retclt's sandblaster setup could probably do it, just use a gentler medium. At work we use a glass beader to clean parts - another "gentle" sandblaster application.

If you use a "sandblaster" I'd practice at a distance and see how effective it is and whether or not you actually remove material, rather than just dirt and grime.

You're right Faster. Sand blasting can be harsh if you aren't smart about it. I’m speaking from my own experience only. You can use as low or high a pressure as you want. I had deep molded in nonskid and when using 40psi and fine playground sand (3 bucks a 40lb bag) I had an incredibly clean paint removal with no harm to the original 40 year old finish underneath. It was also so fast and easy a cave man could do it.

Soda blasting is very popular lately. If I ever do it again I'll probably go that route. The key is to use the finest media you can find. I sifted my playground sand for the occasional larger pebble. I bought a can of glass bead (so fine it feels cool when you stick your fingers into it) for cleaning old metal parts, spark plugs etc. The blaster is a fun little toy . . . and a back saver.


Forgot to add . . . . . . . the sandblasted nonskid was the perfect prep for paint.

[pegasus1457]

I recently posted to Buying A Boat forum with details on the Kiwi Grip product:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/buying...on-31-2-a.html

The post includes a link to a photo site with a deck completely done with this product. Take a look.