This year we tested different paint strippers to see how they stacked up against the old formulation of Circa 1840 which worked well but is no longer available as it has been banned by the EPA. Michael had set up a test on an upside-down white U-22 taping off a section for each stripper being applied and one for Myndy’s got method of heat lamp, heat gun, and stripping tool. Also the last 6-8 foot section of the boat had been stripped with the old formulation Circa 1840 and it had taken 6 hours to complete that much. There was a winner, it was the Aqua Strip paint remover, which you see in the photographs.
Other tips were brought up by attendees, including covering the applied stripper with parchment paper to keep it moist and active for a longer period of time, leaving it on overnight. Also tips for using a stripper tool that has just right curve in the blade to match the curve of the boat, and also filing off the corners of the blade to avoid gouging the wood. There are different blades available, both concave and convex from hardware stores.
Finally we all got to see the boats in the shop, some under way, some finished and some waiting their turn. We all had a great time, folks from New York and Vermont, and new faces as well. Here are some photos to scroll through.
