Priming aluminum boat for paint

[xberet]

Want to paint my aluminum boat to match my car. (Yes, I have too much free time) What do I need to know about prepping/priming aluminum?

 

[grandx]

Re: Priming aluminum boat for paint

must of course sand any old paint off first then wipe with solvent. Then you must use a "self etching primer" for aluminum. I once painted an aluminum boat without the special primer... and when It fell off I asked the paint people, I still have the old boat and it still has the paint on it today.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Priming aluminum boat for paint

Aluminum must be bare and all corrosion removed. (including seams...) use alumiprep, then alodine, dry, self etching zinc chromate, let cure for several days, then spray good high quality poly paint with hardner.<br /> If ya jus want a quickie cheap job: Cheap automotive enamel and use 3M pad to scuff up and paint two coats.

 

[xberet]

Re: Priming aluminum boat for paint

Thanks guys, seems the etching primer is the missing link I was worried about. Figure I'm married to this boat for some years to come ( or I won't be married at all!), so it'll get the best I can give it. I think the cleaner, the right primer, then a decent base coat/clear coat finish ought to be just the ticket. Thanks again!