Specific paint for outboard motor?

[bikerider]

I have a Mercury 100hp outboard that I will be repainting in the spring, everything except the prop and transom mount. The plan is to strip all the original graphics off, sand, repaint and put new oem graphics back on it. I have had good results using Rustoleum2X on other projects and had planned on using it on the outboard but want to ask here to see if there's a reason I shouldn't use it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you will get better results if you use straight rustoleum, mix in some hardener and spray with a real spray gun that way you get a hardened finish with out the rattle can zebra stripes

 

[Scott Danforth]

factory mercury paint is PPG / Ditzler 9000 black

 

[BWR1953]

I used Mercury OEM Phantom Black rattle cans. Worked well for me. And I'm terrible at painting!

 

[gm280]

Whatever method you decide on, make sure you are applying a catalyst type paint IF you want it to stay on for any length of time. PPG makes awesome paint and worth the cost. And when properly applied it is resistance to oil, gas and fuels. But rattle cans don't offer the quality of catalyst paint unless you buy the special two part type rattle can setups. Most rattle can paint will dissolve when fuels touches it. They are what they are, and that is an easy to apply paint, but absolutely NOT fuel proof!

 

[bikerider]

BWR1953, your motor came out looking great. Is the Mercury paint you used a regular spray can or a two part spray can as mentioned above?​

 

[bikerider]

factory mercury paint is PPG / Ditzler 9000 black

Thank you.

 

[bikerider]

Whatever method you decide on, make sure you are applying a catalyst type paint IF you want it to stay on for any length of time. PPG makes awesome paint and worth the cost. And when properly applied it is resistance to oil, gas and fuels. But rattle cans don't offer the quality of catalyst paint unless you buy the special two part type rattle can setups. Most rattle can paint will dissolve when fuels touches it. They are what they are, and that is an easy to apply paint, but absolutely NOT fuel proof!

I did not think about regular spray paint not being fuel resistant, but with my luck at some point there would be some fuel spillage or a leak on a 30 year old motor. Thanks for the input. I don't have access to a traditional spray gun and compressor so maybe I can compromise and get a catalyst type of paint in a two part spray can.

 

[BWR1953]

BWR1953, your motor came out looking great. Is the Mercury paint you used a regular spray can or a two part spray can as mentioned above?​

It's the regular single part paint. True, it isn't fuel proof and I can verify that it isn't bug proof either! While towing with the motor up, it got splattered by a big dragonfly and that definitely left a mark. Then again, it's very easy to touch up. And at some point, I'll buy a travel cover for it as well.

Re: catalyst paints... I didn't use hardener on my hull paint because using isocyanates requires special Personal Protection Equipment and I wasn't ready to spring for that. Isocyanates are dangerous.

Keep us posted on the 2-part sprays. I'd like to know!

 

[Scott Danforth]

same paint that @Woodonglass uses to paint boats can be sprayed.

here is me mixing paint to spray the outdrive https://forums.iboats.com/threads/1988-rogue-2420.486013/page-23#post-3436013

I also touched up the outdrive with a preval sprayer.

 

[gm280]

Before giving up on a spray gun and compressor setup, HF sells some cheap spray guns that while not "professional quality types" they can yield a decent paint job. And a small compressor is all you need. Maybe a neighbor has one you could borrow for that effort. Heck the neighbor may even help you with the paint job. And that brings us down to the actual paint. It certainly wouldn't take much paint to finish an outboard engine. A mere pint or so could do the job, depending on color. So check out the automotive supply stores for their prices. And remember, this is for a life time finish. So a little extra cost seems well worth it in the long run. Just some food for thought...

 

[dingbat]

I did not think about regular spray paint not being fuel resistant, but with my luck at some point there would be some fuel spillage or a leak on a 30 year old motor.

A large percentage of the OE (Merc, Evinrude, Moeller) rattle can paints are acrylic lacquer which is resistant to gasoline, oil, and heat. (250 F)

 

[gm280]

A large percentage of the OE (Merc, Evinrude, Moeller) rattle can paints are acrylic lacquer which is resistant to gasoline, oil, and heat. (250 F)

If you go that route, be very careful what fuels come into contact with lacquer(s). Ethanol could cause some issues with lacquer finishes. So test before you do your finish so you won't have an Uh OH issue.

 

[bikerider]

It looks like I have some decisions to make. Thank you all for your advice.