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Hey guys,
I did a search and did find some topics on this but was hoping to get some more advice and see some photos. I am looking to paint an old 14 foot aluminum boat inside and out. Any tips on prep or paint to use? I want it to last but also want to try and not spend a fortune on it.
After that a casting deck is the next project.
Thanks for your guys time.
I did this a couple years ago. After my research and doing the same as you, looking for advice. I found because of the aluminum I had to use zinc cromate that I got from napa. Highly toxic be careful and use the proper mask and clothing. I then used zinzer primer and tremclad paint. I am sure there is better paint out there. Good luck and all the best Don
Washed and spray bombed with tremclad. After one year still good. Inside done as well.
Attachment 34132
Another vote for tremclad spray from home depot
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Thanks guys!
I know when I did my aluminum rims years ago the guy in the auto paint place was very specific on the primer used. Went on bright yellow if I remember correctly. I was painting the rims black.
Make sure you wash the boat well. That is one key to making it last. I washed, lightly sanded (fine grit), then washed with acetone.
I did my aluminum boat exterior more than 10 years ago, and it is still on.
Is it painted now?
Prep is 100% the key to the paint staying on.
IF its bare aluminum, you need to use a self etching primer.
I did mine about 10 yrs ago, and the outside is still great, but the inside needs a touch up.
S.
Right on here, you need the self etching primer. The paint will peel off without the right prep. Look at truck bed liner coating for the inside of the boat. It's very thick and coats very nice. It's durable and non slip, you can also get in a light colour so it's cool in the sun.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinker
I don't have any pictures of a boat I painted 4 years ago. But, like you, I asked a lot of questions, the more questions I asked several facts emerged. The most knowledgeable people were those that worked on boats regularly. Being from Hamilton I went down to the Harbour and talked to the people at the smaller boat works (they would have experience working on aluminum hulls). The steps were quite consistent; sand the old paint and dirt off surface being painted, it is probable that you won't take the hull down to bare metal but you will have bare surfaces wipe areas worked on with mineral spirits and get good and clean (I used a small compressor and blew any residue away} it is important that you put on a good primer coat to cover the entire hull hand sand after each coat. I did one prime coat and two finish coats. I no longer have the boat or the paint I used but I used the brands suggested by the people at the boat works. The paint is very expensive (you won't get it at Home Depot) but relative the work involved I felt it was worth the investment. I didn't mention that my method of application was by paint brush, again expensive buy your brushes where you buy your paint.
Thanks for taking the time to read my litany but I really enjoyed the experience. Send a PM if you want more info.
AA
I've done a few aluminum boats and a number of fiberglass canoes. With the boats I used a drill with a wire wheel to remove the old paint. I then finished the bottom with a sanding using 150 grit til the surface was smooth to the touch.
I then used a paint sprayer to apply 4 light coats of BeautyTone rustcoat alkyd paint right over the sanded aluminum. The boat looked like it just came out of the factory and its still looking good 3 seasons later--no peeling or flaking and no fading.
Thanks for everyone's responses. I will let you know how it turns out!
You should use a primer that contains aluminum oxide as well. If you sand, clean and prime correctly, you will have a paint job that will last for years and years. Incorrectly done and you are wasting your time and $$. Do it right the first time. It is all in the prep work. If you can get your hands on a paint sprayer, that would be ideal. If not you can also "roll and tip", to get a streak free finish.
W.