Painting a Prop

[thompsdw]

Noticed some corrosion on my aluminum prop so I decided to bead blast it and repaint. I purchased the special Mercruiser prop paint. Should I use a zinc rich primer below it, or simply shoot the black on the raw aluminum????

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Painting a Prop

I have used zinc phosphate instead of zinc chromate in the past with good results.If you can,prime and paint in the sun if it is warm enough where you are.I have had the best results when my props and outdrives are in direct sunlight and warm to the touch.Charlie

 

[Walt T]

Re: Painting a Prop

Hey, will the paint stay on those props?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Painting a Prop

Hey, will the paint stay on those props? <br /><br />No!!!<br /><br />Beed blasting will take the paint off all right, but it is too smooth for a proper bite of the paint! Actual sand blasting makes for a better bond! Not that the Paint will last long anyway!<br /><br />LubeDude

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Painting a Prop

I have had very good results getting paint to stay on when I do the job in stages and ideal conditions.This usually take longer than anyone is willing to put into painting a prop.I know if I take the slightest shortcut,it peels off with almost no paint left by seasons end.Charlie

 

[wvit100]

Re: Painting a Prop

Those microscopic cavitation bubbles are what takes the paint off the prop. Your never going to get paint to stay on for very long. The only time you see it is when it's out of the water so you should try and keep it in the water as much as you can and not worry about it.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Painting a Prop

I just give mine a quick once over with high gloss black after I get it home. Only takes a minute to shoot a little paint on there. And it doesn't have to be expensive paint to look good going to the lake.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Painting a Prop

the question to ask is does the paint serve any purpose besides aesthetics? I don't think so.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Painting a Prop

Yes,the paint does serve a purpose.First off it protects the prop from any deterioration which will occur over time.The bigger issue is galvanic action with bare metal parts under water.The more bare parts,the more galvanic action there will be.If everything is coated and painted there will be minimum damage due to this.If the boat is strictly trailered it probably does not matter.Charlie