Bottom Paint Removal & Hull Restoration
Call (239) 288-6185 or request an estimate to talk about stripping your bottom.
Illustration
Boat Washing Boat Detailing Ceramic Coating Fiberglass & Gelcoat Bottom Paint Marine Electronics Seakeeper Shrink Wrap Haul-Out Boat Washing Boat Detailing Ceramic Coating Fiberglass & Gelcoat Bottom Paint Marine Electronics Seakeeper Shrink Wrap Haul-Out
Repair & Refinishing
Years of antifouling stack up. Eventually the layers get so thick they flake, trap moisture or won’t accept a new coating. Our bottom paint removal service strips old antifouling down to a sound surface and restores the hull so it’s ready for its next bottom coating.
When Bottom Paint Needs to Come Off
- Excessive buildup. Too many layers crack and peel, taking new paint with them.
- Unstable paint. Flaking or blistering means the bond underneath has failed.
- Incompatible systems. Some new antifoulings won’t bond over the old type.
- Inspection and repair. Sometimes the hull itself needs to be seen, such as when blisters or damage are suspected.
Removal Methods
We choose the method based on the hull material and the condition of the coating:
- Mechanical sanding and scraping for controlled, localized removal
- Wet blasting, which keeps dust down and is gentle on the surface underneath
- Soda blasting, a softer media for removing coatings without heavy profiling
- Other controlled media processes when the substrate calls for them
The goal is not to strip paint as fast as possible. The fiberglass, gelcoat, barrier coat, metal or aluminum underneath has to be protected throughout the process. Aggressive removal on the wrong substrate can do more damage than the old paint ever did.
After the Paint Comes Off
Once the bottom is bare, we can inspect it, repair damaged areas, fair the surface and apply the correct primer or barrier system. From there, the vessel is ready for new bottom paint. Doing removal and the new system in one project means the prep and the paint are planned together.
For metal parts, running gear and trailers that need stripping, see our sandblasting service.
FAQ
Bottom Paint Removal FAQs
Don’t see yours? Call the shop and talk to the team directly.
How do you strip paint off an aluminum boat?
Carefully, with a method suited to aluminum. We avoid processes that would damage the metal or leave a profile that’s wrong for the new coating, and we use primers designed for aluminum afterward.
How do I know if my bottom paint is too thick?
Signs include large flakes coming off, cracking that looks like dried mud, and new paint that won’t stay on. We can check the layers during an inspection and tell you whether a full strip is needed or a sound surface can be sanded and recoated.
Does a stripped hull need a barrier coat?
Often, yes. A barrier coat helps protect fiberglass from water absorption before new antifouling goes on. Whether yours needs one depends on the hull and what we find once it’s bare.
Repair & Refinishing
Related Services
Fiberglass & Gelcoat Repair →Chips, gouges, cracks and impact damage, finished with color-matched gelcoat or marine paint.
Structural Repair →Stringers, bulkheads, transoms, decks and wet core, rebuilt for strength before the surface is restored.
Boat Painting & Refinishing →Spot repairs to full hull and topside color changes, plus gelcoat respray.
Next step
Request an Estimate
Request an estimate or call (239) 288-6185, and we’ll plan the removal and the new bottom together.