prep info needed before I paint aluminum...

[josh6780]

I am going to camo paint this boat. I have go stencils. So I plan on making this boat look very well painted. So I would like to know what kind of prep work I should do to make it last a long long time. I am probably gonig to sand the whole thing. instead of just applying etch primer. I just want it to be a good quality job.

 

[josh6780]

Re: prep info needed before I paint aluminum...

just putting this back on top.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: prep info needed before I paint aluminum...

We do alot of painted alum structures at work and have found one of the best products is the Rustoleum metalmax acrylic urethane. Prep using mineral spirits, wipe off well then spray, no primer. Superb adhesion. Paint is semi-gloss but looses some gloss when exposed to UV for extended period of time.<br /><br />Another we have had good succes with is Benjamin Moore industrial coating M22 series of alkyd urethanes. Slower cure and a whole lot smellier but again tremendous adhesion to aluminum. High gloss product. I'm sure there are many more quality products out there. I would locate an industrial paint distributor and go talk with a sales rep.

 

[josh6780]

Re: prep info needed before I paint aluminum...

where do I get Rustoleum metalmax acrylic urethane. And do they have it in a camo kit?<br /><br />Could I spray a clear coat over it?<br /><br />What are mineral spirits?

 

[josh6780]

Re: prep info needed before I paint aluminum...

putting this back on top.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: prep info needed before I paint aluminum...

Camoclad or Camowraps <br /><br />There you go just about any pattern you want.<br /><br />I just dropped $$$$ on my aluminum 14' and that is not counting the Gluvit. The Camo stuff is really in the ballpark.

 

[josh6780]

Re: prep info needed before I paint aluminum...

so how much better is camoclad than just getting some stencils and painting a pattern?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: prep info needed before I paint aluminum...

Well, it's pre-made and the choices are endless. They have "permanent" and non permanent types. I have seen it used on ATV's and motorcycles that take tremenous abuse.<br /><br />Are you intending on duck hunting or just for the look? For duck hunting the camo really should cover the top as well.<br /><br />When I camo painted all my vehicles in the army we sprayed them all and followed a pattern. We did not use any stencils.

 

[josh6780]

Re: prep info needed before I paint aluminum...

I am going for the look. I will probably used the cabelas stencils. I am going to do the upper inside of the boat. The rest will be line xed.