Patch Aluminum Without Painting

[rccoulter]

Sorry to resurrect a dead horse, but after spending dozens of hours reading this forum I'm afraid I'm suffering from a bit of analysis paralysis.

I recently bought an old, beat-up, open-floor, 10-foot tin boat (for $100). The previous owner(s) had patched it with any number of different things that are now peeling, flaking, or crumbling. I've managed to scrape and peel most of it off and would like to reseal the areas that were previously treated.

My question is this: I know the preferred method for sealing aluminum hulls is Gluvit, but I'd rather not have to paint the boat--Is there a second-best method that doesn't require painting?

I've seen a lot of references to 3M 5200, is that good enough?

Or is there another UV safe product out there that people would recommend?

I'm trying to weigh longevity with economy and user-friendliness.

I would be satisfied with someting that would last a few seasons. I'd be willing to redo it every few years provided it wasn't too involved in the first place.

Thanks in advance for your opinions/advice!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Patch Aluminum Without Painting

Welcome to iboats.

I would use a 2 lb can of gluvit and just throw a coat of paint on the inside. It could be completed in one weekend.

 

[jspano]

Re: Patch Aluminum Without Painting

do you have any pics??
gluvits would be the way to go for sealing, but if it's a hole you might need to patch it with alum and sandwhich some 5200 in it

 

[rccoulter]

Re: Patch Aluminum Without Painting

Here are some photos of the previous "repairs."

I'm still hoping somebody shares a second best solution. I can't imagine what it would take to prep this thing for painting--this is post cleaning.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Patch Aluminum Without Painting

Painting prep? Piece of cake from what I see.

Wash with vinegar......
haze (lightly spray) with Zinc Chromate (2 cans will do the whole interior).....
Paint with rustoleum and be done with it

First it still looks like a gluvit candidate but yes you could probably get by with 3m5200....... (before you paint...if you paint)

Oh heck use the 5200 and go fishing!!

 

[rccoulter]

Re: Patch Aluminum Without Painting

Aww geez!

You just covinced me to go the gluvit (do it right route), then got me thinking about the 5200 (half-assed route) again with that last bit.

I was under the impression that I had to get every last bit of dirt and oxidation off before I primed, but if it that isn't the case, I'll go ahead and do it right.

One question though: Do I prime the bottom with Zinc Chromate after it's been coated with Gluvit, or before?

Thanks again.