Need advice for installing new carpet onto new aluminum deck

[Shepherd49]

I am replacing the plywood decking on on my boat & plan on installing 1/8 aluminum covered with new carpet. The old carpet and decking is removed. Now I need advice on aluminum prep for the carpet. Will just a cleaning & self etch primer be enough for good carpet adhesion ? Or should I also use a sealer. Will carpet adhesive bond well to the primer ? Wanting to do it right the first time and not have to go through this time consuming task again. All advice welcome.
thank you

 

[Scott Danforth]

1/8" aluminum is really quite thin... pretty sure its going to dent from use.

carpet adhesive will bond just fine to primer.

 

[w2much]

I will tell u how I do it, not necessarily the way it should be done.I have recarpeted quite a few both wood and aluminum. I just clean the aluminum and use indoor outdoor carpet glue. Seems to work fine. The manufacturers don't appear to do anything different. You can be sold on all kinds of specialty adhesives and spend a bunch of cash. I don't prime either.

 

[Lowlysubaruguy]

If you can use marine vinyl it will not only last longer it will clean up easier. Id hit the surface with a degreaser and rinse it with hot water then lightly sand it with 80 grit to give it some texture as aluminum is not the easiest to bond anything to. No matter what your covering it with buy a linoleum or Formica roller from the hardware store to help adhesion and practice on a small piece first so you know about how much time you have to work with, if your glues to wet or to dry youll have adhesion issues. If its a big area buy a cheap paint spray gun from Harbor Frieght or Home Depot so you can spray it like paint I coat both sides wait for it to be tacky and roll it out have someone help hold it up off the surface while you work wrinkles out. If your glues right you wont get a chance to lift it and place it again. Work the edges with plastic putty knife.