I am about to repaint my boat and I am wondering if anyone has sandblasted theirs. What sand do you use? I read to use aluminum oxide sand blasting sand becuase silicon carbide will contaminate the aluminum.

I have a lot of pealing paint and need to get it off. Sandblasting it would be easier than sanding the entire boat.

I think I remember reading to NOT sandblast! Do a search and see what comes up.

To much pressure sandblasting. Might warp the aluminum in some spots

I guess a wire whell on my 7" dewalt will do the trick.

I dont want to sand blast it but my dad thinks it can be done and will be helping me with it.

I forgot who it was but they had pics of hull that was sand blasted and that mofo was trashed!!!!

how expensive is aircarft grade paint stripper?

Thats the post i was talking about. That boat was garbage after blasting.

Check this thread out! Might help you make your mind up.

I dont believe it's the pressure, it's the heat generated using silica. See if you can find someone that can do it with walnut shells.

my dad has all the equipment... i'd just have to find the walnut shells

Forgot to add I used KS 3 Stripper you buy at home depot before the orbital. I had 7 layers of paint on mine. Lots of coats of that walmart camo over factory paint. Brushed that $hit on and hit it with a power sprayer. Almost took all the paint off by itself. The orbital sander and wire wheel just helped make the sumbitch shine.

after you used to stripper did you pressure wash it.

I bet I could get most of the paint off with a pressure washer then apply the stipper then wait 15-20 min and pressure wash it off

That sounds like the ticket.

aight thanks for the tips..

I think my pressure washer is 3400psi so that with the stripper should work well

I just got through doing mine..... Used Oven Easy Off from the dollar store. Took two coats and a 3600 psi power washer. Took of three layers of paint. I set the boat in the sun, sprayed on, let set for 15 minutes and power washed off.

Before:


After:


Will still have to do a little sanding but it took 90% of everything off in about 2 hours with minimal work. Getting ready to SteelFlex the Bottom/Sides..... Just my $0.02

If you use that paint stripper be sure to prime the aluminum before you paint it or you'll be back to where you started.

A "Self Etching" primer.....

You can blast it, just have to use a very light sand flow. You can also blast it using baking soda. Not sure where you would find that. Dude I know blasted an old fiberglass Whaler with it.

Aisle 8, next to the flour.

I was going to help your ass with that. Until i saw that post.

lmao... dont be mad..