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Older fiberglass canoe needs attention

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Last Visit: 06/18/2013 09:09PM
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toddhunter

06/20/2012 09:05AM

my older canoe was painted on the outside and needs a new coat, but I'm not happy with the paint as it comes off on hands and clothes. The inside is flaking gray paint I believe and may just need a new coat. I can see light where the paint is off on both sides, but the canoe has no holes and still is solid. How would you care for it? Thanks.

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IBFLY

06/20/2012 09:35AM

I would start by apologizing to the canoe for painting it in the first place. Ask for forgiveness. Even if you didn't paint it, show it that you empathize and understand how difficult these last many years must have been for it. Give it a hug, let it have a good cry, pat it on the hull and tell it you love it and will make it better. It will take time, but eventually your canoe will forgive you and begin to feel loved again.

Then get yourself set up to remove all the old paint. You will need to sand the paint away, may need to use acetone, etc. Do a good job. Now would be the time to add skid plates if you so desire. When all the paint has been removed you can apply 2-3 coats of a gel resin (use a foam brush or roller) available at many marine stores - allow to dry completely between coats and then consider adding a layer of marine grade urethane (sand or still wool the gel coat lightly first) and perhaps add a layer of canoe wax when done.

You could also use an epoxy resin + varnish/urethane in lieu of the gel coat. It will depend on the lay-up you have.

There have been several recent threads on canoe repair here with lots of good advice. The Red Rocks website has a section on repair. Google fiberglass canoe repair and you will probably find links to several forums and sites that explain things in greater detail than I have. Good luck.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

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toddhunter

06/21/2012 01:42PM

I will apologize for the prior owner for the painting. And I appreciate the suggestions, even if I wonder if it's worth it. I don't use it often, and wouldn't consider hauling it to the BW as it is pretty heavy. Thanks.

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