Non-toxic boat renovation with gentle and safe paint & varnish removal
There can be different reasons why it is time to renovate a boat. Maybe it is time for a refresh for the summer or is the boat in need of a complete renovation? A boat renovation can be a bit complicated, especially if the boat has a paint with toxic substances such as biocides. But on this page we have collected lots of tips and important things to think about.
There are many methods for removing paint, but it's hard to beat Speedheater's IR technology, which does the job non-toxic and significantly faster than other methods. Speedheater's IR system removes multiple layers of paint and varnish in just seconds. Plus, you don't have to worry about dangerous fumes, released toxins, or risking damaging the surface.
Renovate the boat without releasing toxins into the environment
Caring for our environment and our water is an extremely important part when it comes to your boat renovation. Many boats are painted with paint that is dangerous for both you and the environment, especially if it contains biocides.
What are biocides? Biocides are pesticides used to control harmful organisms. They are very effective against growth of algae and barnacles on boat hulls, but if the biocides get into the water, they can harm other aquatic organisms. Today, there are antifouling paints without biocides, or you can mechanically, i.e. by hand, remove the growth a few times each season. But many boats still have paint with these dangerous substances in it.
At Speedheater, we offer paint removal with an IR system that ensures that any toxic substances such as biocides or lead in the paint are never released . You also don't need any solvents or the like. Safe for both you and the environment. And not only that - our paint removal technology is gentle on your boat and minimizes the risk of damage to the surface.
Without harmful paints on your boat, the risk of toxic substances that harm the aquatic environment is reduced, as well as for people who swim or stay nearby who might otherwise be exposed to the toxic substances. Old, cracked paints also reduce the boat's speed.
Whether you are a professional or a beginner, Speedheater's products will help you remove paint quickly, effectively and non-toxic! We have the tools you need to best prepare the material and work your way through both tight corners and large surfaces quickly. You don't have to worry about damaging the surface or being exposed to hazardous fumes while you work. Good, right?
Gentle paint removal step by step
Preventive care
Keep the hull free of fouling through non-toxic methods, such as mechanical cleaning, hull cloth, storage on land, etc.
Choose a hull-clean boat. For a boat to be classified as completely clean, hull-clean, it is required that the boat has never been painted with toxic antifouling paints or that the boat has been cleaned of all old paint layers. If you have previously painted the boat and then stop painting it, the old paint will remain.
The best thing you can do for your health and the environment, if your boat is hull clean, is to choose a biocide-free method to protect the hull against fouling, e.g. brush washing, other mechanical cleaning, hull cloth, etc.
Paint with a primer that protects against moisture.
Paint the top layer with a high-quality biocide-free paint that forms a hard surface, which facilitates mechanical cleaning and reduces environmental impact.
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Remove old antifouling paint and varnish
The removal of paint, boat varnish and varnish must be carried out in an environmentally and health-safe manner, with the right equipment and protective measures. Without these precautions, there is a risk that the toxic particles will affect both the environment and the health of the person carrying out the work. If the paint is removed incorrectly, it can have a greater environmental and health impact than leaving the biocides on the hull.
It is also important that the person performing the work protects themselves, for example by using protective clothing, gloves and respiratory protection.
The paint residue is considered hazardous waste (especially if it contains biocides) and must be collected and handed in to the nearest recycling center. Also, change your work clothes on site as soon as you are finished.
The sub-work is the be-all and end-all of a successful boat renovation. That's why it's important to use tools and methods that not only make the work easier, but also make it efficient and fun.
Use Speedheater's paint scrapers and heating systems to soften and scrape away large areas of paint in one go. It doesn't get more efficient than that.
Speedheater works with a unique IR technology that heats the surface so that the paint easily releases without releasing toxic fumes or risking damaging the substrate. We have several different sizes of our heating systems and smart suspension arms that make your work even easier. Both hands are freed for scraping and while you scrape, the next surface is heated.
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To think about
Cover the work area with plastic or a tarp, so you can easily collect all waste (such as paint flakes, sanding dust, sanding water, organic waste and worn-out protective equipment).
If you scrape the boat bottom yourself, you must collect all scraping residue and take it to a recycling center. Stay up to date on current regulations in the Environmental Code and the local environmental regulations in your municipality.
If the scraping is carried out professionally, special rules from the Swedish Work Environment Authority apply.
Avoid painting your boat with antifouling paint that contains biocides, as they have negative effects on health and the environment.
There are regulations for which colors are allowed in different waters and municipalities. For more information, we recommend that you contact the Swedish Transport Agency and your municipality for guidance.
Contact us for personal advice on paint removal and boat renovation.
Speedheater is a company that develops, manufactures and sells products and system solutions for paint, putty and varnish removal. We are a company that thinks about making the method of removing paint easier and more efficient at every step. Speedheater IR System is a method that is both more environmentally friendly, safer and more affordable than all other methods of removing paint. Welcome to contact us for a free quote on our unbeatable method for heating paint from the facade, boat, furniture or car.
