Paint Preparation

[LQT420]

Hi,

Getting ready to prep my hull for new paint job. My question is this: After I wash down the hull with detergent, is an acetone wipe down enough to remove all wax and oil residue from the gelcoat or do i have to get the specialty surface cleaners like "Awl-Prep" or "Interlux Fiberglass Surface Prep" to do the job? I want to remove all surface contaminants before fairing the hull with epoxy and sanding. Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide.

 

[jsdeimel]

Denatured alcohol works just fine. Make sure you use clean rags.

 

[LQT420]

Is denatured alcohol the same as acetone, or is there a difference?

 

[edboat]

Denatured alcohol is different from acetone, either will do a good job, but as stated before use clean rags and change them often. The quality of the paint job is mostly in the prep work prior to applying any paint.