Bottom Paint Prep

[Tucson56]

I plan to use an ablative bottom paint this spring.  The boat has bottom paint but the ablative portion is mostly warn off.  The base coat is still good.  The "how-to" videos say to light sand the bottom and then use a tack cloth to remove the sanded paint to create a good contact surface before applying the new paint..  Rather than use a tack cloth, has anyone used a high pressure wash after sanding or does that tend to smooth off the surface I just roughed up with the sanding?

As always, thanks.

[pepmyster]

You should use a tack rag to pick up all the remaining resin from the gel coat and it prepares the surface for the anti fowling.

[Capt Ron]

I just washed down the bottom with acetone and a tack cloth. I'm not sure power washing would actually do the job? I find power washing doesn't get all the debris off. Just my opinion. 

[RinkerBuoy62]

I've found with bottom paint the prep is everything. I don't think there are any shortcuts.

[pepmyster]

I use VC17 original. It was on the boat since the begining. VERY easy to apply. Just wash boat, apply, done!!!