Painting an aluminum boat

[DUCKGOGETTER]

Guys i need some advice on how to paint an aluminum boat. I have a 15 foot flat bottom boat that is blue and i'm wanting to strip it and paint it either brown or olive drab. I have never done this before ,and i need some advice. We're gonna do this ourselves and not wanting to bring it to a shop. Any advice on how to do this process and the best paint to by so it last would be gratly appreciated.

Thanks, dgg

[Salty]

As a painting contractor for almost 30 years, I can tell you that your prep is the key...especially with aluminum. There is a product called Alumathane. Clean the surface good and spray this stuff on. If you don't top coat within a couple of hours, you'll have to sand the surface before doing so. I guarantee it will stay where you put it.....as long as it's done over a prepared surface!!! If you're interested, PM me and I'll find out where you can buy Alumathane.

[1fastmerc]

I painted mine last year. I agree with salty on the prep of the surface. I used a product from Diamond Paint in Sulphur. I'll get the name of it tonight or call them and ask for Chad. He can tell you what to use. Just tell him the guy that bought the dodge red paint last year. I'll try to post some pictures.

[Phill225]

If the original blue paint is sticking good, then just lightly sand it (320 grit) and paint over that. If you sand through in a few spots, spray them with ACID ETCH primer in an aerosol can. Pick up a can at an auto paint store.

If you insist on stripping the boat down to bare metal, follow Salty's recommendation.

The issue with bare aluminum is the fact that is rusts so quickly. Yes, it does rust! When iron/steel oxidizes, it gives you the brown colored rust. The oxidation of aluminum gives you a white rust that is hard to see. Aluminum actually surface rusts much quicker than bare steel.

Strip it, sand it, and prime as soon as possible with acid etch or epoxy primer. Make sure you sand the bare aluminum before priming.

[Salty]

Phil is right, but, there's no need of stripping to the bare metal if the surface is sound. Alumathane will stick to ANY surface. Don't get it on your hands or else you'll be wearing it a few days. I got your PM and I'll see if I can find it for you.

[Hebert]

strip chemically or mechanically then I would recommend to use zinc chromate primer for aluminum..then a good 2 part marine epoxy top coat...