Re: Just a simple question
There's been a discussion recently about whether the zinc chromate is still available? If you can't find specifically zinc chromate, use primer intended for aluminum - the stuff I used is green, but I don't think it was chromate. I also think it's best if you prime it immediately after you strip off the paint so there's absolutely no oxidation. Like JB said, use any good quality spray enamel. From what I've seen the OEM paint is nothing but spray enamel. I did a lower unit last summer and went to a local specialty hi-tech paint shop. I think the serious car guys as well as airplane (and probably boat) guys go there. For basic materials their prices certainly weren't higher enough to worry about, and they knew exactly how to prep and paint aluminum. I followed their advice and used their products (except for the cans of OEM paint I bought at the dealer - which didn't match all that well anyway!). So far, it's held up really well. Good luck.
