VC Tar Removal

[fon7546]

The title says it all. How do I remove VC Tar with a top coat of VC 17 on my 27 ft. Ericson sailboat.Started sanding and scraping. NOT EASY.
Thanks in advance
Ron

[minaret]

Good luck. That stuff will make you cry. Just waste lot's of sandpaper, it's the only way. A stiff wire brush can help you use less paper if you use it to get the chunks of gummy buildup off your disc so you can keep sanding. This is one of the few cases where I would consider blasting.

[Cheechako]

If it's so hard to remove...why do it? :>)

[fon7546]

I have a minor blistering problem(I hope minor) and I just want to see what is going on at the Gel Coat level.YES, it`s hard to get off and that is likely the reason Interlux has stopped making it.A lot of negitive PR.Just below the boot there are several layers of tar then VC 17 more tar more VC17 etc. There is tar and then Prime Kote and finally Brightside as a top coat of the boot top which has many tiny blisters.I am guessing something is not compatable there.Thus, I want to get rid of the whole mess.
Thanks
Ron

[minaret]

Getting rid of it is the way to go. It's not the best product. Replace with 2000. Good luck!

[fon7546]

My intension if it kills me . Come spring a- case of beer and call the boys.

[Tynesider]

Originally Posted by fon7546

The title says it all. How do I remove VC Tar with a top coat of VC 17 on my 27 ft. Ericson sailboat.Started sanding and scraping. NOT EASY.
Thanks in advance
Ron

Hi Ron
Been there and unfortunetly got a T shirt!

Due to years of old antifoul build up I also had to get it all off back to the Gel coat, the original coating was VC Tar epoxy, I found using a 40 grit sand paper was best on an orbital sander as it was a two pack application.

You can not get the same stuff now due to the usual Health & Saftey brigade, the new stuff is called VC TAR 2 (also a two pack), in the UK it is made by International paints who recommended for better protection their Gelshield 200.

My advice is do not put it on below 8 Deg C even though the tin says 5 deg C as it appears dry but the cold night tempreture will not help the curing.

Just make sure you are wearing a good face mask and safety glasses!

[minaret]

Originally Posted by fon7546

My intension if it kills me . Come spring a- case of beer and call the boys.

Whatcha planning on sanding with?

[fon7546]

5 in. orbital-Starting with #40 until I just see a trace of white and then go to #80.What do you think? ?

[minaret]

Read this thread.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ion-71361.html

[Tynesider]

Originally Posted by fon7546

5 in. orbital-Starting with #40 until I just see a trace of white and then go to #80.What do you think? ?

That's what I did and although it takes time it works, clean off after with No 7 thinners.

I then applied 5 coats of Gelshield 200, one coat of Primocon, then two coats of International Micron extra.

I wrote a paper on it for our Colvic Watson Owners Group which may help you
http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/QODMTsq...20Antifoul.pdf

I do not lift out now for another two years