Laser Stripping Machine

Fitzke Boatworks is now using a laser machine to remove old finish off of wood boats. The laser removes single-part finishes, two-part finishes, stain and paint off of wood without touching the actual wood surface. This approach preserves the wood thickness and works exceptionally well on veneers. Curved, contoured, carved and/or detailed surfaces are no problem for the laser. The laser can remove a thin layer of epoxy but the surface may be vulnerable to burning if the epoxy is too thick. After the finish is removed, the wood is ready for finish sanding in preparation for new stain, primer or varnish. White paint will need to be rattle canned a different color as the laser can’t remove white paint due to reflectivity but will remove the rattle canned color/white paint combination. Runabout and Utility boat lengths up to 27 feet.

How quick is the laser - One hour of laser time is approximately ten hours of chemical/heat gun technique.

SERVICES OFFERED

Option One: You drop off a bare hull and Fitzke Boatworks laser strips the old finish off. Then you sand and apply new stain/varnish or primer/paint. All interior and hardware will need to be removed from the boat prior to drop-off (Bare hull and applicable interior wood parts only). Fitzke will lift your boat off of the trailer for the stripping process and place back on the trailer prior to pick-up. Turnaround time is 1-3 days depending on size of boat and interior parts needing stripping. Can strip finish above the waterline only or include the bootstripe and bottom paint stripping. Option one is great for the DIY’er that doesn’t want to deal with the chemical or heat gun stripping techniques.

Option Two: You drop off a complete hull and Fitzke Boatworks will remove hardware and all applicable interior pieces (and re-installed once new finish is complete). Fitzke will laser strip the old finish, sand and apply new stain/varnish or primer/paint. Varnish and paint are spray finished with the highest grade two-part urethane marine finishes. Turnaround time for option two is subject to scope of work.

Pricing is based on the individual project as every boat is different. Please inquire below for any questions or to schedule an appointment.