Painting a bare Alum. boat hull

[boatingDad]

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but I have to get my ducks in a row. I want to paint my 1984 Alum. boat hull. Currently it is completely bare (not even clean). I went to my local auto paint store and was told that I can paint the hull but it will peel off easily (loading boat, hitting stuff in water, etc). I've told them about people doing it but they said that the onl way it will adhere and last is by having it painted and then baked on (body shop talk). I really think the boat would look nice with a painted hull. After reading all these forums it sounds like there is something I'm not telling these guys to get through to them, besides I think this kid has been sniffing to much of the pain fumes. Is there any suggestions to tell these guys what exactly I need so I can paint the hull properly,so it keeps its beauty for a long time? These guys make me feel stupid so I need to have a plan of action when I go in there to buy my paint and supplies so I sound like I know what I need.

 

[69rrvert]

Re: Painting a bare Alum. boat hull

I sandblasted and repainted my All Weld boat about 5 years ago. I used a self etching primer first before applying the paint. The only way the paint will come off is by sratching it off. It is only used in salt water and the high pressure of the car wash has not touched the paint. I would say use a self etching primer first. Thanks, Steven

 

[boatingDad]

Re: Painting a bare Alum. boat hull

So I'm guessing they make it for fresh water. Thanks much Steve

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Painting a bare Alum. boat hull

Welcome to iboats!

Your local auto paint store needs to stick with cars because they know nothing of the aluminum boats!!

Self etching primer is one method that will work......

The proper way is Vinegar wash the hull, treat with alodine, use zinc chromate primer, and paint ...... that is what the manufacturer's do.

Read through our completed project section or look at just about any of the aluminum restores and you will see

 

[Jacket4life]

Re: Painting a bare Alum. boat hull

Mine was done 6 yrs ago just like 69rrvert, but w/out the sandblasting. Just self etching and then Rustoleum.

Only places it is scratched off is where it has hit the trailer. It looks good too, ppl comment on it everytime I'm at the gas station. It just so happens to match the factory paint on my truck (kind of a gunmetal grey).