Old town paint

[AndrewLegg]

I just acquired a 1968 Old Town Trapper. It is wood rib and plank with fiberglass skin. It was originally painted yellow and then green. I would like to refurbish the outside coating.
What is the best way to remove the paint, sanding?
Might the original yellow be lead based?
Is the resin on these boats clear enough to simply varnish and show off the planking?

 

[Benson Gray]

What is the best way to remove the paint, sanding?
Might the original yellow be lead based?
Is the resin on these boats clear enough to simply varnish and show off the planking?

Sanding is your best option since anything else is likely to also damage the fiberglass resin. The paint may be lead based since that was not banned until 1978. The resin will probably be reasonably clear but it won't ever look as good as a canoe that was originally built to show off the planking. Good luck,

Benson