Several new owners have commented on getting barrier coats or paint onto their hulls. I just did this, reluctantly but necessarily, due to a gelcoat blister problem. I was a first-timer and, so, studied up on it for a long enough time that folks probably wondered if I'd ever wade in.? One important bit of instruction came fairly late in my reading, but I was able to take advantage of it.? I've forgotten now whether it was West or Interlux or both, but recommendations were to not only sand (if and as necessary -- with several hundred small blisters, it was necessary in my case), but to clean the area of the hull to be painted, with the strong solvent intended for the purpose of dissolving the waxy component in the surface of the?gelcoat, as well as any residue of fiberglass mold release agents.? Interlux' version is Fiberglass 202 Solvent Wash.? I believe West's is called "Thinner and Dewaxer." Otherwise, you're applying your expensive barrier or antifouling coats over a slick, waxy surface, to which they may not adhere reliably. Maybe this is widely known, but the references here?to getting paint on the bottoms haven't mentioned it, so I thought I would, for those whose work is still ahead of them.