Leo Martínez
VC-17 is a hard vinyl bottom paint used on boats. It is known for its ability to quickly dry and its high copper content. VC-17 has been discontinued in some regions due to compliance issues with international environmental regulations. It is important to note that VC-17 cannot be covered with other paints, and removing it requires a thorough process involving the use of acetone, xylene, or denatured alcohol. However, some users have reported successful removal through alternative methods such as soy strip products. While VC-17 is well-suited for racing boats, individuals should be cautious when applying it due to its fast evaporation rate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Bottom paint |
| Paint brand | Interlux |
| Paint name | VC-17 |
| Paint formula | Super thin, hard vinyl |
| Paint ingredients | Copper |
| Paint application | Quick-drying, evaporates quickly |
| Paint coverage | 1 gallon covers everything below the waterline |
| Paint compatibility | Nothing sticks to it except VC Offshore |
| Paint removal | Can be removed with acetone, xylene, denatured alcohol, E85 gasoline, or soy strip |
| Paint alternatives | Pettit HRT Eco, VC17M, Pettit SR-21, Pettit Black Widow |
| Paint discontinuation | Discontinued in Canada and California due to environmental regulations |
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What You'll Learn
VC-17 is a super-thin hard vinyl bottom paint
VC-17 is no longer available in California and Indiana in the US and has been discontinued in Canada due to compliance with international environmental regulations. It is also unavailable in California due to its copper content. VC-17 is known to be extremely difficult to strip, and nothing can be painted over it except more VC-17. However, it can be removed with a vigorous power wash, acetone, xylene, denatured alcohol, E85 gasoline, or Franmar Marine Soystrip.
VC-17 is a popular paint for race boats due to its properties. It is a super slick, very thin, and hard paint. VC-17 is also easy to apply and provides a very slick bottom. VC-17M is a type of VC-17 that is recommended to be applied in 2-3 coats per season without sanding between coats.
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It's an unusual paint to work with
VC-17 is an unusual paint to work with. It is a super-thin, hard vinyl bottom paint that is used on race boats. Its thinness means that it can be difficult to apply correctly, as it dries very quickly and evaporates easily. It is also highly ablative, meaning that it is designed to allow anything that gets on it to fall off. As a result, VC-17 is known to wear off quickly and is considered a dirty substance, as it wears into the water.
Due to its unique properties, VC-17 cannot be painted over with any other type of paint. The only exception is VC Offshore, which is chemically similar to VC-17. This means that if a user wants to switch to a different type of paint, they must first strip all of the VC-17 off their boat. Removing VC-17 can be a challenging process, as it contains copper and other potentially harmful chemicals. While it can be sanded off, this process can be time-consuming and may require a respirator and other protective gear to ensure safety. Other methods of removal include using acetone, xylene, denatured alcohol, or soy strip.
Despite the challenges of working with VC-17, some users have found it to be a satisfactory paint for their boats, particularly those used in freshwater. It is known for its ease of application and ability to dry quickly, making it possible to paint spots under the cradle pads while the boat is on the slings during launch. Additionally, VC-17 is known for its slickness and thinness, making it a popular choice for race boats.
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It's easy to remove
VC-17 is a super-thin, hard vinyl bottom paint that is used on race boats. It has a high copper content and is not available in California anymore due to its environmental impact. VC-17 is fairly easy to remove. A good pressure wash will take off quite a bit of the paint, and the remainder can be removed with acetone, xylene, or denatured alcohol.
If you are removing VC-17 from a propeller, be aware that the copper in the paint can cause a galvanic reaction with the prop, so it is important to remove it. Start with 80-grit sandpaper, then move to 120-grit, then 220-grit to polish out the scratches, and finally, use a polishing compound to finish the job. Be careful not to get too aggressive with the sanding, especially if you are working on a brass propeller, as you don't want to cause any scratches.
Another option for removing VC-17 is to use a paint stripper like Franmar Marine SoyStrip. Apply the stripper to the surface, cover it with plastic wrap, wait about 90 minutes, then scrape off the old paint. After that, scrub the surface with a scouring pad and an adhesive remover to clean off any remaining paint and stripper.
E85 gasoline is another option for removing VC-17 and is cheaper than rubbing alcohol.
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It's discontinued in Canada
VC-17 is a super-thin, hard vinyl bottom paint that is used on race boats. Its popularity is due to its ease of application, as it can be applied on itself after a quick sand. However, VC-17 has been discontinued in Canada due to compliance with international environmental regulations. Specifically, one of its ingredients, Irgarol (Biolux), was banned by the federal government, as of January 1, 2023.
The discontinuation of VC-17 in Canada has caused a sudden spike in requests for the product, as it is much easier to re-coat a boat with VC-17 than to remove it and apply a new product. The paint can be removed with a vigorous power wash, acetone, xylene, denatured alcohol, E85 gasoline, Franmar Marine Soystrip, or by sanding. However, the high copper content in VC-17 makes sanding a hazardous process, requiring a respirator and a protective suit.
AkzoNobel, the manufacturer of VC-17, is working on a replacement and has recommended VC Offshore as a stop-gap option. While some sources indicate that VC-17 is still available for purchase in Canada, retailers have indicated that supplies are limited.
The loss of VC-17 may not be a significant issue, as AkzoNobel is reformulating some of its existing products, and there are a range of other bottom coats on the market. Boat owners can also consider alternative paints that can be applied over VC-17 without the need for stripping and a barrier coat, such as copolymer ablative paints like Micron CSC or Micron Extra.
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It's considered primarily a freshwater paint
VC-17 is a type of antifouling boat paint. It is considered primarily a freshwater paint. VC-17 is a super-thin, hard vinyl bottom paint. It is extremely ablative, meaning that it is designed so that anything that gets on it falls off. It is used on race boats because of these properties. VC-17 has a high copper content and is unavailable in California.
VC-17 is quite difficult to remove. It can be removed with a vigorous power wash, and the remainder can be treated with acetone, xylene, denatured alcohol, or E85 gasoline. It is recommended to wear a respirator when removing VC-17, as its copper content is not conducive to healthy living.
VC-17 has been discontinued in Canada and other places due to compliance with international environmental regulations. However, it is still available in some places, and alternatives are being developed.
VC-17 cannot be painted over with other types of paint. One user suggests that if you are unhappy with the results of VC-17, you can plan for a soda or dry ice blasting and then do a full, proper bottom job.
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Frequently asked questions
VC-17 is a super-thin hard vinyl bottom paint that is used on race boats. It can be used on power boats, as evidenced by a user on Trawler Forum who applied VC-17M Extra to their power boat and was very satisfied with the results.
VC-17 is an unusual paint because it dries quickly, and it is super slick. It is also extremely ablative, meaning that stuff that gets on it is supposed to fall off.
VC-17 evaporates quickly, so it is important to paint quickly. It is recommended to dribble the paint directly onto a 4" short-napped roller and only use enough to coat the roller.
VC-17 is known for being difficult to paint over. According to Interlux, the manufacturer of VC-17, nothing can be applied on top of VC-17 except more VC-17. However, some users have reported success with other paints, such as Pettit SR-21, which is chemically the same as VC-17.
