Boat Painting DIY Series: How to Remove Antifouling Paint from Your Boat

Removing Antifouling

Joe Purtell, Technical Sales Representative Interlux

If your existing antifouling is in poor condition, we recommend removing it completely before repainting. Interstrip 299E has been formulated for removing antifouling from all substrates and is safe to use on glass fibre without harming the gelcoat.

1. Health and Safety

Before commencing preparatory work, ensure the area you are working in is adequately ventilated. Ensure you are wearing the correct PPE; we recommend safety glasses, goggles or visors, nitrile rubber gloves, overalls (ensuring skin is not exposed) and a solvent mask or a respirator (if working on larger areas or in confined spaces).

2. Preparation

High pressure fresh water wash, to remove loose antifouling; ensuring all residue and wash water is contained and disposed of, according to local legislation. Mask off areas to be stripped.

3. Applying Interstrip

Apply Interstrip 299E liberally, using an old brush, following the application guidelines provided on the product label.

Leave on the surface. The product needs time to work; the time needed will vary depending on the temperature and the amount of old antifouling on the hull.

4. Removing Old Antifouling

Remove while still soft with a blunt scraper. Interstrip 299E can remove several coats at a time, but heavy build up may require more than one application. Residue should be disposed of according to local regulations. Reapply fresh antifouling after sanding and priming the hull.