aluminum boat paint help

[phidelt157]

Got a problem - aluminum boat is ready for prime and paint but I can't find any rust oleum to put on the bottom. The rust oleum "boat bottom" stuff clearly says do not use on aluminum hulls on the back of the can. So what kind of paint do I use on the bottom of the alum boat and where do I get it? The folks at lowes and menards say that the reg oil based rust oleum paint for metals will come off in the water. What to use below the waterline?

 

[Bondo]

Re: aluminum boat paint help

The folks at lowes and menards say that the reg oil based rust oleum paint for metals will come off in the water.

Huh,... That's what's been on the bottom of my tinbarge for about 12 years now,...
7 as a trailerbarge,+ 5 as a moored barge...
I just touch it up each year before I launch it...

 

[hotrod53]

Re: aluminum boat paint help

I used a Rustolium product some time ago called Gutter Coat, that stuff will stick to anything! I painted a galvinized house trailer skin with it and it was truly a good product. It wasn't under the water line but it saw more than it's share of rain.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: aluminum boat paint help

If the bare aluminum is properly primed then the rustoleum will stick fine......

A word of caution ......the day after you paint the boat is NOT READY for the water....... you need to wait at least a week.

 

[phidelt157]

Re: aluminum boat paint help

So some self etching primer and the reg oil based rust oleum should do it? Some parts are bare aluminum, others have light paint that has been roughed by sanding.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: aluminum boat paint help

I personally do not like the self etching primer's from rattle cans such as SEM. I have had my best success using zinc chromate primer from meuller.

Yes, bare spots need to be primed and other paint should be sanded lightly...... What kind of aluminum boat?

 

[phidelt157]

Re: aluminum boat paint help

14 ' sears semi v - bout a 67 or so
It was the ol man's.
Where can I find the zinc chromate?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: aluminum boat paint help

Many marina's carry it but since it is a 14' boat....... you can go with the self etching but make sure you scuff up the primer with a green pad before you paint.

The beauty of rustoleum..... is the ability to touch up