So I'm getting ready to paint my 16' Tracker and I've read a ton about painting aluminum but I want to make sure that the various combinations of what I've read along with some of the specs on the paint that I'm using (Rustoleum Marine Top Side) all coincide with the process I'm planning to use. First off, here's the boat (before):
http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy294/tabsher1/Boat and Trailer Restoration/100_1942.jpg
And here's how it looks today, after having stripped all the decals and reg. numbers:
There are a few spots of bare aluminum but the rest is the original paint and seems to be in pretty good shape.
Planned Process:
1.) Wash with Ammonia/Water solution and let dry
2.) Spot-spray bare aluminum with Zinc Chromate Primer
3.) Rough-up surface with 80 grit sand paper
4.) Wash to remove residue
5.) Apply 1 coat of Rustoleum Metal Primer and allow to dry overnight
6.) Apply first Top Coat (Roll and Tip), thinned with 5% mineral spirits and allow to dry overnight
7.) Sand lightly with 220 grit and wipe with tack cloth
8.) Apply Second Coat
9.) Repeat, as needed
So just a couple of questions:
Do I need step 5 at all, or can I get away with spot priming the bare aluminum and then applying top coat on original scuffed up paint? Is there really a big advantage to priming before?
If I am going to prime, do I apply the primer using Roll and Tip as well and do I thin the primer 5% just like the top coat?
Lastly, when the final Top Coat is finished (assuming 2 coats) am I done or is the FINAL step sanding with a very fine sandpaper to bring it to a shine??
Any help is appreciated. I just don't want to blow it at this stage in the process.
http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy294/tabsher1/Boat and Trailer Restoration/100_1942.jpg
And here's how it looks today, after having stripped all the decals and reg. numbers:
There are a few spots of bare aluminum but the rest is the original paint and seems to be in pretty good shape.
Planned Process:
1.) Wash with Ammonia/Water solution and let dry
2.) Spot-spray bare aluminum with Zinc Chromate Primer
3.) Rough-up surface with 80 grit sand paper
4.) Wash to remove residue
5.) Apply 1 coat of Rustoleum Metal Primer and allow to dry overnight
6.) Apply first Top Coat (Roll and Tip), thinned with 5% mineral spirits and allow to dry overnight
7.) Sand lightly with 220 grit and wipe with tack cloth
8.) Apply Second Coat
9.) Repeat, as needed
So just a couple of questions:
Do I need step 5 at all, or can I get away with spot priming the bare aluminum and then applying top coat on original scuffed up paint? Is there really a big advantage to priming before?
If I am going to prime, do I apply the primer using Roll and Tip as well and do I thin the primer 5% just like the top coat?
Lastly, when the final Top Coat is finished (assuming 2 coats) am I done or is the FINAL step sanding with a very fine sandpaper to bring it to a shine??
Any help is appreciated. I just don't want to blow it at this stage in the process.
Last edited by a moderator:
(it costs too much money to sand off!)
