TOPIC: Scraping and Painting Interior of First Project

Hi. I have a 1960 16' fiberglass pocket cruiser that is my first project. The hull is sound,needs very little repair. I want to paint the interior first. But the paint has peeled quite a bit. The cabin roof is really peeling. The cockpit had carpeting that went all the sides. I am seeking advice on the best way to clean, scrape, and paint such a rough interior. Thanks Andy

Elbow grease is all I can tell you for scraping. If you have air tools, a Orbital DA is the most cost effective way to do it. No mater what your doing. Eye and breathing protection is a must since it's enclosed and overhead. Oh, and Media Blasting is the easy but it's not cheep by any ones pockets.

Depending on how much residue there is from the old carpet. Like if it was foam back or rubber back. If that was the case then a four inch razor scrpaer first. If it is just the carpet adhesive that you want to remove. It is still a real job. I would scrape it first. And here is something that works but may cost you a little. Buy a cheap gallon of bondo. Spread it lightly over the glue. Then you can sand it a lot easier. The bondo dust mixes in with the glue as you sand and keeps the paper from plugging up. I would try 36 grit and see what you think of the scratch it leaves. Otherwise 80 will work it just plugs up a lot faster.

D

Hi I was advised to take off the hardware. Then remove the loose paint with a powerwasher. Then scrub the interior with comet and green pads. Should I sand where the carpet was on the boat. Before the comet and pads. Thanks Andy