Painting Outdrive- Top Coat After Zinc Chromate?

austin123

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 16, 2004
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109
1988 Stingray SVB 176<br />3.0 Mercruiser<br />Alpha One Outboard<br /><br />After searching previous posts on this subject I still have a question. I have my complete sterndrive out replacing the waterpump, bellows etc.<br /><br />I have sanded the sterndrive and have ordered a can of Zinc Cromate primer from:<br /><br /> http://www.aircraft-spruce.com/catalog/cspages/zinc.php ($6.30).<br /><br />I plan on washing down with 50/50 vinegar/Water before spraying.<br /><br />Here is my question: :confused: <br />What kind of paint can I use as a topcoat and how many coats is recommended. I have two new cans of Rust-Oleum speciality Appliance Epoxy Ultra Hard Enamel paint in black. Can I use it???<br />Can says it contains Tuolene, Xylene & Acetone.<br /><br />Any other suggestions, boat is not going in Salt Water and is stored out of water when not being used.<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br /><br />Austin.
 

fireship1

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
581
Re: Painting Outdrive- Top Coat After Zinc Chromate?

Hello, I would stop by my local Mercruiser dealer or go to http://www.mercurymarine.com and pick up two cans of phantom black aerosol. It's what the factory uses on your drive when new. You can also go to a marine supply. I believe Tempo makes an aerosol as well that is the same color. I would give at least two coats. Four would be best. Paint protection is only proportional to it's thickness in total coats. Hope this helps!
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
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5,604
Re: Painting Outdrive- Top Coat After Zinc Chromate?

I have had better results with Zinc phosphate but if you are not leaving in the water I dont think it matters as much.The factory finish is Phantom black laquer.I would rub with alcohal or acetone or thinners before i would use vinegar and water.The epoxy would probably work well.Charlie
 

18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: Painting Outdrive- Top Coat After Zinc Chromate?

Charlie – one of my brain cells remembers something from having read (awhile back) the mil spec on how to apply zinc chromate primer to aluminum…it states the necessity of cleaning the affected area with vinegar prior to applying the primer…didn’t state why.<br /><br />Disclaimer: I have two brain cells…and one is defective. Can’t tell which brain cell remembered the above. ;)
 

fireship1

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
581
Re: Painting Outdrive- Top Coat After Zinc Chromate?

Hello, The vinegar is used as an etchent solution. It lightly etches the aluminum and gives the primer a better surface to bite to.
 

fireship1

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
581
Re: Painting Outdrive- Top Coat After Zinc Chromate?

Hello, The vinegar is used as an etchent solution. It lightly etches the aluminum and gives the primer a better surface to bite to.
 

fireship1

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
581
Re: Painting Outdrive- Top Coat After Zinc Chromate?

Sorry about the double post, my browser hiccupped. :D
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,604
Re: Painting Outdrive- Top Coat After Zinc Chromate?

Then I guess there is a good reason for vinegar.I have had my best results priming and painting my outdrives while in the sun.The surface is warm while applying and the primer and paint cure much better with the heat.Tried the heat gun thing but the sun is much more effective.Charlie
 
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