Barnacle Removal

[Richfind]

Three years ago I did a did a complete blister repair finishing up with several coats of Interlux 2000e barrier coating followed by ACP 50 ablative bottom paint.

I didn't haul the boat for 3 years and the ablative paint had done what it was supposed to do, which was to wear away and keep the fouling down. Unfortunately because I waited too long to haul the barrier coat was exposed and barnacles grew on these areas. When the boat was hauled the yard pressure washed the bottom but the base of the barnacles remained on the barrier coat.

I am trying to figure out how to remove the rest of the barnacles. I don't want to sand the bottom for fear of damaging the barrier coat. Another sailor in the yard said he used a chemical to dissolve the barnacles from the bottom of an inflatable dingy but does not remember what he used. Does anyone have any ideas for this problem?

[barnakiel]

The white plate dissolves in acidic environment. The translucent base does not dissolve but can be scraped with and ultra sharp knife of black steel (e.g. an Opinel) or else with a quality varnish scraper (the style that uses disposable blades made out of carbon steel).

Needles to say, bot acidic bath and sharp tools must be used with all respect for what they are.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...-oWCbiZOe_RVTA

If you have a dentist in the family, they can remove the plates with a dremel tool.

b.

[senormechanico]

Muriatic acid will eat it, but rinse any metal as it will eat that too.

[JPA Cate]

Even white vinegar will eat them, but it takes time. However, absolutely guaranteed to not do harm to the paint systems.

Ann