What is the best method to remove bottom paint from the aluminum pontoons on my boat?

Question

I've tried sanding, it's pretty useless, this is some old thick paint. I've tried chiseling (carefully) but at the rate I'm going my arms are going to fall off. I'm curious about sand blasting, is that safe for the aluminum? I don't have much faith in chemical strippers, but I'm open to suggestions. Please help, I've fixed up the boat beautifully but the light blue bottom paint is hideous to behold and I want it gone. I'm not interested in repainting it.

Answer 1

Of course, I do not know the history on your pontoon boat... but, I can only guess (as I have seen it done) that the previous owner used "boat epoxy" to patch a hole... otherwise - what would have been the purpose of painting aluminum pontoons?

There are people that specialize in aluminum and in particular - aluminum pontoons... I would give go by and see one, or give 'em a call and tell 'em your problem and ask them what they would do...

If whoever painted the pontoons used epoxy to patch a hole, or rip down the side, or even used an epoxy based paint, I am not sure at all that anyone can get it off...  I know that with the epoxy I use for building my boats - cures so hard and fast, anything it is "not" applied to will bend, break, or bust before the epoxy joint will... (that of course, includes aluminum).  And in fact, my son with through one old, and one brand new hand saw blade trying to saw thru an epoxied joint. And  I have truthfully seen (first hand witness - at my Marina) one guy literally melt his pontoon with some kind of chemical he thought was going to simply clean it.

Now, having said that... if all else fails, I would suggest, (as I myself would be tempted) to paint the pontoons flat black. It is amazing the flaws it covers, not to mention that a flat (not shinny or glossy) black seems to make the entire freeboard of most "decked" vessels simply disappear...

Happy and Safe Boating!

Answer 2

try aircraft paint remover you can get at the auto part store ps.dont forget the life vests have fun and be safe out there

Answer 3

use a power washer with a minimum of 3000 psi that should take most if not all of it off also there is a companl that power washes with baking soda and thats better plus there doing all the work and doesnt damage anything  if you ask me in dec ill tell you how it works cause im getting it dont this year

Answer 4

Use a proffesional grade auto paint stripper, available at any autobody shop. BEWARE!!  Read and follow the safety advisory carefully, this stuff is toxic. Do not sand blast, you will blow holes in it.  You COULD try a bead blaster, but i wouldn't.