Repainting interior aluminum boat

[Balboa64]

Hello everyone...I’ve been searching multiple hours trying to find the correct way to repaint my interior aluminum boat ...the paint is not chipping...it’s very dirty and old looking.....I’ve read where I need to strip paint...just sand paint and I even called the paint company that I’m going to use and he told me not to even use soap to clean before I repaint....he said to just use a brush and water to scrub and prime after it’s dried and then repaint....I’m getting conflicting advice and I don’t know what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[gm280]

Well before we get started, Welcome to iboat. Glad to have you aboard...

IF, and I do stress that IF, the paint you are wanting to cover over is solid and not peeling or flaking off, then start from there. Like the paint manufacturer suggested, wash the entire interior and allow it to totally dry real good. That will remove all dirt and possible oils from that surface. Then I personally would use a good primer over that paint. Some will say that isn't needed and that's personal opinions. But using the primer from the same manufacture of the top coat paint you plan to use, will guarantee that the top coat will adhere to the prime perfectly. But that is just my suggestions. And you absolutely can't go wrong doing it that way what so ever. If you are looking to keep this boat for any period of time, the prep work IS where the final finish will get its smooth finish. It other words, if there are scratches, dings and dents, and you don't want them to show up in the final finish, you have to address then in the prep. JMHO

 

[Balboa64]

Thank you very much for replying....yes...I did purchase primer from company that produces/manufactures the paint....at least I did that correctly...lol....manufacturer said do not use any kind of soap to clean because it leaves a film and primer will not stick....but I have a hard time with this because interior of boat is dirty.....and just to clarify....I don’t need to sand old paint as long as it’s not chipped or flaking? thanks again

 

[gm280]

Thank you very much for replying....yes...I did purchase primer from company that produces/manufactures the paint....at least I did that correctly...lol....manufacturer said do not use any kind of soap to clean because it leaves a film and primer will not stick....but I have a hard time with this because interior of boat is dirty.....and just to clarify....I don’t need to sand old paint as long as it’s not chipped or flaking? thanks again

If you decide to wash, with soap, the interior, follow up after it is total dries with a wipe down of Acetone. There will be no residue remaining after the Acetone wipe down...

 

[Balboa64]

If you decide to wash, with soap, the interior, follow up after it is total dries with a wipe down of Acetone. There will be no residue remaining after the Acetone wipe down...

Thank you very much!

 

[Balboa64]

Thank you very much!

And there’s no need to sand...correct?

 

[gm280]

And there’s no need to sand...correct?

Not if you like how the surface looks presently. I like to scuff up the surface for better adhesion, but that it just me. But if you do decide to scuff up the surface, do the wipe down afterwards... JMHO

 

[GSPLures]

If the paint is gloss I would at least scuff it but I am assuming it is flat being in the inside. I normally at a minimum scuff with a scotchbrite pad to give a little bit of tooth for the paint to stick to, but the manufacturer knows their product and usually will not give you improper directions.

 

[Balboa64]

If the paint is gloss I would at least scuff it but I am assuming it is flat being in the inside. I normally at a minimum scuff with a scotchbrite pad to give a little bit of tooth for the paint to stick to, but the manufacturer knows their product and usually will not give you improper directions.

Thank you everyone for your opinion...it’s very much appreciated