Does anybody know a really good way to remove old paint and stickers from an aluminum jon boat, there are about 5 coats of paint on it so it is really hard to get it all off with just sanding, there are several layers of stickers on it too.

Anything would be helpful.

Thanks,

Teenage Angler

Just go fishing.  I usually have trouble keeping the paint on my boat while fishing, so getting it offshouldn't be a problem.

ha yeah, but that might take awhile with all the coats of paint that are already on it and im planning on painting it , carpeting it, putting a new motor on it, putting a livewell, and electronics in the baot and some storage in the front and back decks. so if sanding with 120 sandpaper takes some time then fishing will probably take a little longer haha

Maybe go to a paint shop a place that sells auto paint and ask them what you need to strip it and cleaner, self etching primer, and paint.

Heavy duty chemical stripper is what I used on mine.  I had several coats of paint also. It is a very tedious process no matter how you do it.

Muscles and a scraper!  

Well, why don't you go to your local hardware store and buy a gallon of paint stripper?  Paint strippers work very well when you are trying to strip paint.  Follow the instructions on the can, because it can be very hazardous in enclosed spaces.

1) Orbital sander

2) Start with 80 grit sand paper

3) Finish with 120 grit sand paper

4) Zinc chromate primer

5) Top coat

If you decide to use chemicals be sure to dispose of them properly, not in the trash can  :

A commerical stripper will do the job. Just use gloves and a mask in a well ventaliated area.

go rent a media blaster and get it done.

thank you all for your help,

teenage angler

I went to Homedepote and bought two of the smaller things of metal piant stripper and it took it right off get one of the metal scrappers with a blunt end I used a plastic scrapper and it didnt work and I used a razzer blade scrapper and it scratched it up pritty bad. Be careful and if you get it on you anywhere be sure to get it off pritty fast it will leave a pritty nasty burn.

Anyone can have a shiny, pretty boat.  Embrace your boats ugliness.  And consider the extra coats of paint dent resistance.

I don't know the age of the boat in question, but I would like to offer one caveat (since no else has):

Before sanding off any old paint, be absolutely certain that no "lead-based" paint is involved.

Al Gable was the skipper of the Kingfisher, a head boat out of Atlantic Highlands, NJ (circa 1960s).

A little fellow, Al was as tough as nails. Like many boat owners he routinely chocked his rig on dry dock and power sanded the hull.

Al was very sick during his last year of life and the cause of his death was identified as lead poisoning.

Roger

go rent a media blaster and get it done.

Absolutely.  

Catt's suggestion is tried and true and the most cost effective (how I did mine) but sandblasting is the way to go if you want the very best results.  It gets EVERYTHING off.  After a good prep wash, it leaves the metal ready to accept a good metal etching primer also.  

If you use a stripper, make sure it is ok to use it on aluminum.

when I striped my boat I used aircraft striper got it from auto zone you brush it on and scrape it off.if you get it on your skin you will know about it real quick so be careful but my boat came out real good good luck

does anybody know, where i can go to get it media or sandblasted and how much it will cost?