Wooden Boat People

By McKenzieDriftBoat.com

Removal of interior enamel

I am still working on the interior and trying to remove some Valspar oil based enamel. Sanding is slow going; maybe it is the safest way to get it off, but thinking about using stripper. Does anyone have any experience with this method. Ideas and tips are appreciated. I received my epoxy from Resin Research and they sure were helpful and responsive.

I have be using 60 grit and 80 grit with a random orbital sander and it is doing the job, but thought that I might hasten up the process. Bad idea?

Thanks in advance...........Roger Rippy Bozeman, MT

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Permalink Reply by Guy Fredrickson on January 14, 2012 at 9:17am

Roger, There are only five ways that I know of. In order of increasing severity these are sanding or grinding, chemical stripping, heat gun, high pressure water, and grit blasting.

I'd try chemical stripping. Just don't leave the chemicals on the surface any longer than necessary to loosen the paint. Maybe get the bulk off with chemical stripping and then go back to sanding to finish the job.

The heat gun may work well to, just don't overheat the wood.

Good luck!