what kind of primers better on Aluminum boat?

[csisommout]

I saw on line Epoxy primer by Sea hawk. is it easy to use or better primer? or Barrier coats by Interlux?

Does anybody out there using these before?. Thank you,

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: what kind of primers better on Aluminum boat?

I can't answer your question directly, but I learned the hard way, long ago, that paints with certain metals should not be used on aluminum hulls, so be sure to do your homeowrk.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: what kind of primers better on Aluminum boat?

HI csi. Most folks here in the forums use aerosol, Zinc-Chromate self etching primer on their aluminum hulls prior to paint. The procedure is fairly simple really. 1.) Sand any old, loose paint from the hull and/or get it soda blasted down to bare metal. 2.) Apply a light coat of ZC self etching primer let dry, apply another light coat of ZC primer if needed. 3.) Apply paint of your choice. There are many brands and types, but folks here have had luck with Rutoleum Marine, Interlux brand, and others. Do be mindful of possible adverse interactions per Home Cookin's post. You can apply the paint with a foam roller, or sprayer if you have access to one. You may also want to research the "Roll and Tip" method of painting which folks have also had good luck with.

 

[roscoe]

Re: what kind of primers better on Aluminum boat?

Zinc-Chromate
Zinc-Chromate
Zinc-Chromate

 

[Lowe170]

Re: what kind of primers better on Aluminum boat?

Asides from nicer cosmetics, are a few bare metal spots (the bow where the trailer roller meets it) and a few other minor dings trouble waiting to happen for the rest of the paint job or the hull in general on my tinner?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: what kind of primers better on Aluminum boat?

HI Lowe170. Bare metal spots and some dents and dings won't hurt your aluminum boat in any way. In fact, it's best to leave minor dents and dings alone rather than trying to "fix" them by pounding them out, which will often weaken the metal even further. Most of us aluminum boat guys aren't overly concerned with cosmetics like our fibeglass boat cousins (rat rods vs. trailer queens ). We tend to wear our dents and dings as a badge of honor, and as proof that we can get to all the sweet spots the glassers wish they could reach, but are too afraid to attempt for fear of scratching their paint As long as she's not leaking, or giving you any other obvious reasons to worry you'll be fine. If you should spring a leak or other problem, most of them can be fixed pretty easy on an aluminum boat using materials form the local hardware store and without the use of harsh chemicals as is the case with fiberglass repairs.

 

[Lowe170]

Re: what kind of primers better on Aluminum boat?

Thanks kfa. I'll leave the bare spots and dings as is. With all due respect to our glass boats brethren, you are right on with our tinners' capabilities and combat badges. Even though the glass boats blast by me on the water with amazing hole shot speeds, I quickly remember that mine (2000 Lowe w 70hp Johnson bought last year) is paid for and will get me to where I'm going in due time... I stay good and dry when I remember to put the plug in at launch time and don't forget to remove the livewell's upper drain plug when running it; otherwise no rivet or weld leaks to date.
Sorry, now I see that I've probably hijacked this post from the original topic...