removing splatter paint

[kris Craft]

I have decided that I want to redo the top side paint on my 1975 Proline 20' flatback.  The problem is it is currently splatter painted.  I can either sand it or try to strip it.  Any suggestions or tips would be greately appreciated.

If I decided to sand can I use a belt sander for the large areas or will this create problems?

I am hoping not to have to do much or any faring.

Electric or pneumatic Orbital Sander?

Many thanks in advance.

Kevin

[Skoot]

Hey kris craft!

Two things,

First, this is an Aquasport site.
Second, (as capt. bob) would say, this post is USELESS WITHOUT PICS

[seabob4]

I have decided that I want to redo the top side paint on my 1975 Proline 20' flatback. The problem is it is currently splatter painted. I can either sand it or try to strip it. Any suggestions or tips would be greately appreciated.

Either you meant an Aquasport Flatback, or you need to go here...prolineowners.com.

[RickK]

Two things,
First, this is an Aquasport site.

Easy now Skoot -
1) His boat is a classic - just not an Aquasport and he's proud of it.  We're here for everyone but don't get too many off-brands - obviously because we're a niche family and "they" feel out of place.  Eventually he'll not mention the brand and you'll forget.
2) We have members stray away from their Aquasport roots, they buy a similiar type boat (we have other members with Prolines) and are still active contributors here. Some come back, Aquasport in hand, wondering why they ever wavered. Some never have owned an Aquasport but are still great contributors.
3) I think he's tried other forums and feels comfy here because of the type of people we are, ones that don't prejudge......
4) There is not a "Classic Proline" site for him to go to, so he's found a site that has similiar style boats that he can relate to.
5) We're the best - bar none.
Edit: 6) Looks like SB4 might have given him a lead, but he's still welcome here.  We even have a proline owner come out to the gatherings  

Second, (as capt. bob) would say, this post is USELESS WITHOUT PICS

Agreed.

[woody]

Very well said ,Rick .

[kris Craft]

Skoot,

Give me a break.

I am seeking advice from a forum that I not only respect but one which I have followed and participated in for years.  Its not like I am a one time poster (look at my post count).

There is no active proline classic site worth a hoot or I would be using it.  I have conversed with many a member on this site online and off and find everyone to be very accomodating.

My proline is a classic in every aspect and is my pride despite not having an Aquasport label.  I would press anyone to find fault in a mid 70's proline.

Respectfully,

Kevin Schulte

Hey kris craft!

Two things,

First, this is an Aquasport site.
Second, (as capt. bob) would say, this post is USELESS WITHOUT PICS

[kris Craft]

Pretty generic questions not brand specific.  Just need some ideas before I begin.

Cheers,

Kevin

[seabob4]

Kevin,
Since I do work for Proline, and happen to know the founder of the company pretty well, you might want to give him a call, as Prolineowners.com pretty much deals with newer boats.  Dan Atwood is his name, he started the company, along with his father, back in '68.  His home phone is (352) 795-3509.  I'm sure he'd enjoy talking about your "classic" with you...

Just tell him Bob C said Hi...

[slvrlng]

Dang skoot what if I get a Seacraft?
Anyway kris craft I would sand it. Stripping it would be a mess. A belt sander would be fast  but you could gouge lines into it pretty easy. If you do use a belt type first I would go back over it with a DA to level before fairing to get as smooth as possible. Hope this helps! Let us know what you come up with!

[Marcq]

Hey Keven, I want to see your grass flats boat  :bounce: not to many of those around, good find  

Marc..

[RickK]

My proline is a classic in every aspect and is my pride despite not having an Aquasport label.  I would press anyone to find fault in a mid 70's proline.

Kevin, now let's look at the other side of the coin - the members here are proud of their Aquasports and being a member of a site/family dedicated to the same.  8)  Like you, they may have looked long and hard to find just the right place to settle (although we are the ONLY place) and some may feel alienated by someone flaunting a different brand around on "their" site. I think you understand.
Best to leave the brand out of it when asking a question and I'm sure, since you don't have it in your signature either, that they may never know?

Lewis, bringing a Seacraft on here ........ well here we go again.  

[slvrlng]

Hey Kevin, The splatter paint is probably not paint but actually gelcoat sprayed with a special tip on the gelcoat gun. There are some very agressive pneumatic tools available that are called "bondo eaters". They are orbital but have a larger sanding action. Dynabrade makes one but it is expensive. National detroit also makes one for less money. Harbor freight might have something similar but not sure. Here's a link for the ND. Good luck and let us know if we can help!
http://nationaldetroit.com/tools/toolde ... ?model=900

[seabob4]

...Lewis, bringing a Seacraft on here ........ well here we go again.

You in trouble now, boy...

[Mad Dog]

I have decided that I want to redo the top side paint on my 1975 Proline 20' flatback.  The problem is it is currently splatter painted.  I can either sand it or try to strip it.  Any suggestions or tips would be greately appreciated.

If I decided to sand can I use a belt sander for the large areas or will this create problems?

I am hoping not to have to do much or any faring.

Electric or pneumatic Orbital Sander?

Many thanks in advance.

Kevin

Kevin,  my advice is to sand.  Paint strippers can soften resins (had the experience).  I used a DeWalt 6" Right Angle RO with a vac attachment.  Use somthing like 60 grit (silicon carbide).  That will knock it down pretty quick.

Here is the sander I have.
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_ ... ductID=125

MD  

[RickK]

Hey Kevin, The splatter paint is probably not paint but actually gelcoat sprayed with a special tip on the gelcoat gun.

I sprayed gelcoat through a big tip on a regular spray gun and added "stringing" additive (I think it is called that) to put a speckle on the 170.  
You might try a flap sander wheel on a grinder - it'll take it off fast.