Painting the rails

[SgtMaj]

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[Bondo]

Re: Painting the rails

Ayuh,.......

A couple of things come to mind,......

If they're Aluminum,..... They'll need a Etching Primer for a Good bond.......
And,.....
Even though most paints are Dry to touch after a few hours,.....
It can take Days, or Weeks, or even Months before a total,+ complete Cure is achieved......

 

[SgtMaj]

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[45Auto]

Re: Painting the rails

No single component (spray can) paint is going to come anywhere near what you are looking for. They'll all scratch off easily. If you plan to keep your boat and want your paint job to last you'll want to use an aluminum etchant to prep the surface, then a 2-part epoxy primer, then a 2-part top coat (enamal, urethane, Imron, whatever you like). You'll have to get the stuff from a commercial automotive paint supplier (PPG, Dupont, etc).

The spray cans are great to hit stuff with just before you sell the boat ............

 

[drewpster]

Re: Painting the rails

I tend to agree with 45. Any paint you put on the rails is going to be pretty easy to scuff and scratch. I would recommend having them powder coated. If you look closely you will likely find a local shop that does powder coating. I have had many small items and one electrical panel done at a professional powder coater and I am very pleased with them. Powder coat is far more durable than paint. Powder coat must be baked to set the coating so you would need to find a shop with an oven large enough.
When you factor in your time for prepping and painting, powder coating is very reasonably priced. I took a bare aluminum panel about 9"x16" and several beat up and corroded small parts, and an old spotlight housing to the shop I use, and he only charged me $50 bucks to do them in white. I checked with him on the possibility of coating my handrails for my boat as well.
I know it adds to the cost, but coating will outlast paint a long time and it is still far cheaper than bending new stainless rails.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Painting the rails

Drewpster is right. I didn't think about powder-coating. Very tough stuff, not real expensive, and probably the best way to go especially if you don't have all the spray equipment handy.

 

[SgtMaj]

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[jeeperman]

Re: Painting the rails

Ya know, that spray on bedliner stuff like Rhino lining would be good stuff for abused railings too.
Kinda a grippy surface, and impact resistant too.

 

[SgtMaj]

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[drewpster]

Re: Painting the rails

Good! Glad to hear it. I had resigned myself to the task of bending new rails for my tug. I may have to reconsider.