Gluvit & Primer + Aluminum

[mendo707]

Hey Everyone,
I am new to the site and just acquired a '66 Valco 14' Aluminum Boat from grandpa and I am currently getting ready to make it a project. I already have most of the inside cleaned out and down to metal and have a qt of Gluvit ready to go. I am wanting to paint it and from reading forums on here I have learned that I need Self Etching Primer for the Aluminum. Now my questions are:
Should I Self Etch Primer the inside First, then Gluvit the Seams and Rivets, and then use a epoxy primer over JUST the gluvit?
OR
Gluvit the Seams and Rivets First, but then what primer do I use? I am not wanting to Coat the entire bottom, just the seams and rivets. Can I use the Self Etching on the Gluvit? Or am I gonna have to Self Etch Primer the Aluminum, then Use Epoxy Primer on the Gluvit Areas, and paint over that with marine paint?

Any Info would be greatly appreciated. I have read about using gluvit, then using the appropriate primer over that and I have read about just using Self Etching on bare Aluminum, but what if you are in the position where you will be painting over both?? Thanks Everyone. Like I said, I am a newb to boats.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Gluvit & Primer + Aluminum

Welcome aboard!
Lots of little 14 ftrs here, I have had 2 in as many years. I do believe your first thought of.

Should I Self Etch Primer the inside First, then Gluvit the Seams and Rivets, and then use a epoxy primer over JUST the gluvit?

Is good, but I question epoxy primer? Etch primer, Gluvit then PAINT would be my method.

Others way smarter than me will chime in and give you the scoop, and if I'm insane..lol

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gluvit & Primer + Aluminum

I'm not a Tin Boat owner but based on everything I have learned from the Tin Boat guys here on the forum, this is what I'd recommend...

Clean everything with a mild acid wash. 1 qt muratic acid into 1 gallon of water. Add the acid to the water NOT the other way around. Stiff bristle brush and rubber gloves and wash it well. Flush with a gallon of water with a cup of baking soda mixed in. Once everything is dry, apply the Gluvit to the rivets and seams. Coat all areas to be painted including the gluvited seams and rivets with the self etching primer. Apply two coats of Bare Metal Primer to All of the SE primed areas. Lightly scuff the primer with 220 grit and apply the finish coats of paint. I think the Valspar Tractor paint with the added acrylic enamel hardener makes an excellent finish for aluminum boats. Check out page#10 in my "My Flamingo" thread listed below for all the details on applying the paint.

The Tin Boat gurus may come along and suggest something else but this should be a pretty accurate reflection of what the general recommended methods are for this task.

 

[mendo707]

Re: Gluvit & Primer + Aluminum

Cool, thanks for the replies so far. I called the manufacturer of Gluvit and talked to Steve. He said he would personally prep the boat down to metal, apply the Gluvit, rough up the aluminum that didn't get Gluvit (he didn't think Self Etching Primer was necessary unless it was super smooth which is why he said rough it up with 100-120 grit), and just primer over the gluvit (after washing and sanding the Gluvit per intsructions on the can) and aluminum with an epoxy friendly primer... and then finish with a marine paint. I have been reading on painting aluminum on these forums and tinboats.net and Steve's info seems wrong. Which is why I am asking the community haha.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gluvit & Primer + Aluminum

Yep, IMHO you should ALWAYS use SE primer. If you don't Paint will not adhere properly. I do not think you need epoxy paint. The Valspar or Rustoleum with Hardener works really well.

 

[Star]

Re: Gluvit & Primer + Aluminum

Hey Mendo, welcome to the tinny world!!!
I did the same tasks with a 1961 starcraft 10 years ago. No problems yet, used in fresh water lakes and steams in northern N.Y.
Here is the method I used.
Cleaned the interior with Zep 505 and water mix letting it soak for more than a day wetting fequently.
Wash down with 6000 psi pressure washer while checking for any leakage at open seams.
Remove any poorly applied exsisting paint.
Sand blast with small compressor and northern tool blaster using fine play sand. I know this makes a big mess but it gives you
white clean metal to bond to.
Vacume up all the sand and dirt. I am very much afraid of the muratic acid wash because if it isn't neutralized properly it is trouble!
The people at Gluvit said it is to be used without a etch or primer.
Mix the two part VERY carfully, the wrong ratio will make it crack over time.
Do the job at < 70 degrees. Slow cure is best. Paint on with small fine brush working around rivits and seams. Don't make thick
puddles thinner is better. Top coat with whatever you like to protect from UV. Good Luck!

 

[mendo707]

Re: Gluvit & Primer + Aluminum

Thanks. My biggest concern was using the self etchin primer on the gluvit.
So Prep First
Apply Gluvit
Lightly Sand the Gluvit
Apply Self Etching Primer to Gluvit an Aluminum
Apply Bare Metal Primer
Apply Tractor Paint with Acrylic Additive
Admire

 

[boatnut74]

Re: Gluvit & Primer + Aluminum

Thanks. My biggest concern was using the self etchin primer on the gluvit.
So Prep First
Apply Gluvit
Lightly Sand the Gluvit
Apply Self Etching Primer to Gluvit an Aluminum
Apply Bare Metal Primer
Apply Tractor Paint with Acrylic Additive
Admire

And enjoy for many years to come

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gluvit & Primer + Aluminum

Thanks. My biggest concern was using the self etchin primer on the gluvit.
So Prep First
Apply Gluvit
Lightly Sand the Gluvit
Apply Self Etching Primer to Gluvit an Aluminum
Apply Bare Metal Primer
Apply Tractor Paint with Acrylic Additive
Admire

Bingo!!!!