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.
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
Never resent growing old, Many do not get the chance.
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.
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.
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
Painting an Aluminum Boat
Originally Posted by Sinker
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