Protecting aluminum hatch cover

[Realgun]

I have a full length hatch for a bilge/ski locker.<br />I have removed the board and am left with a 1 inch wide lip of aluminum. I ran my grinder over this with a wire brush. It now looks very good. How can I protect it? I tried car way it seemed to dull the aluminum. Had to run the grinder/wire brush over it again. I know I can coat it with epoxy but it will be exposed to U.V. and will turn yellow inside a year here. This hatch is in the center of the boat and will see lots of foot traffic.

 

[Indymike]

Re: Protecting aluminum hatch cover

How about a couple of coats clear lacquer.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Protecting aluminum hatch cover

Will the lacquer hold up to some foot traffic and U.V.?

 

[Realgun]

Re: Protecting aluminum hatch cover

Will the lacquer hold up to some foot traffic and U.V.?

 

[Indymike]

Re: Protecting aluminum hatch cover

Don't know about the foot traffic but they've been using on cars for years so the UV shouldn't be a problem. Plus with the spray can it is easily renewed.