Any advice before I reapply some bottom paint?

[poormonkey]

I am reapplying for the first time Pettit Hydrocoat Ablative paint to our hull. I spoke to a person as Pettit and he said the following, "I would use the Hydrocoat. You can clean the bottom with water prior to reapplying the Hydrocoat."

So, would anyone suggest I need to hit the hull with a 220 grit or anything before hand? He basically told me to hit it good with a pressure washer and apply a new coat on to the hull.

What type of a roller do you use to apply it with? I have been told to use a foam roller.

 

[wingless]

Bottom preparation and painting is one of the best jobs on the planet.

Giving a quick sand to knock off any high spots and remove any loose stuff won't hurt. Get a tyvek space suit, latex gloves, a respirator and goggles.

If block sanding to rough up the painted surface 60 would be fine.

The foam rollers are the best for a smooooth finish.

Get the specified thinner and tweak the mix as you go so that it doesn’t get too thick!

 

[Dave S]

I have recoated most of mine several times over the last three years and have done it just like the Pettit Rep told you (without sanding). It will stick fine. However, if you have spots where the gel coat is showing thru , scuff those with a bit of sand paper first. Sea Ray uses a special coating prior to applying the Hydrocoat ablative at the factory and doesn't scuff the hull and that's why I recommend scuffing the bare areas a bit to insure the new Hydrocoat sticks.

 

[poormonkey]

if you have spots where the gel coat is showing thru , scuff those with a bit of sand paper first.

I found my answer, Pettit recommends 80 grit....

"Previously Painted Surfaces: To paint old, hard antifoulings, thoroughly wipe down the surface with 120 Brushing Thinner, paying particular
attention to waterline areas, then sand painted surface with 80 grit sandpaper. Wipe clean of sanding residue with water and apply Hydrocoat. Old tin
or copper copolymers or Teflon based antifoulings should be sanded thoroughly with 80 grit sandpaper to remove the chalky outer surface, wiped
clean of sanding residue, and then may be over coated directly with Hydrocoat. Traditional, soft antifoulings should be removed before applying
Hydrocoat."

 

[35 express]

i dont use pettit paint i use seahawk cukote it is used on the big boat i powerwash the bottom then i thin the paint with about a half cup of laquer thinner it goes on very nice and it eats into the old paint with work i can do my 35 express with 1 gallon and i do it once in two year no barnicals only a little sum

 

[tobnpr]

Be sure your rollers have a solvent-resistant (I think the term is phenolic) core. Otherwise they'll fall apart in minutes.