painting an aluminium boat for the first time

[haddles]

I've bought a new bare aluminium boat and the glare and heat coming up from the inside is atrocious. I'm thinking about painting it myself. What is the process. Should I buff it up first with steel wool before I etch prime it or is this unnecessary? What type of paint should I use for the top coat? I also plan to paint the outside above the chines and would like a gloss finish. I want something reasonably hard wearing so how many coats would be advisable? Should I hire a compressor or use spray cans? Sorry for so many questions, Thanks for any help.

 

[Richard O'D]

Re: painting an aluminium boat for the first time

I painted my starcraft. Interlux has a booklet that makes it easy (nearly)it is a a bit expensive though. The guys at west marine were great help to me. <br />**** O'D

 

[JB]

Re: painting an aluminium boat for the first time

No need to etch it, haddles.<br /><br />Get it scrupulously clean and prime with zinc chromate or other aluminum-specific primer.<br /><br />Then paint with whatever you like. Imron is pretty good, but expensive.

 

[gewf631]

Re: painting an aluminium boat for the first time

Here in the states, there's all kinds of places that spray bed liner (for pickup trucks). Your choice of colors, VERY durable, and since it's a commodity, probably not too expensive either.<br /><br />If you DO paint it yourself, DON'T use steel wool - the difference in the metals causes problems. If it's dirty, use plastic wool (scrubby pad).

 

[heycods]

Re: painting an aluminium boat for the first time

Originally posted by Ed F:<br />[QB] Here in the states, there's all kinds of places that spray bed liner (for pickup trucks). Your choice of colors, VERY durable, and since it's a commodity, probably not too expensive either.<br /><br /><br /> Also stops any present or future leaks, I read on another site,