Re: prep. AL hull 4 paint
local advice:<br /><br />A better alternative is to prime the weathered aluminum material with a thinned down oil based metal priming paint. Leading manufacturers recommend using one pint of paint thinner to one gallon of high quality oil based primer. This primer creates a barrier between the oxidized<br />aluminum and the finish paint. However, before you even think of mixing up and applying this primer, you need to prepare the surface for paint. If you read the labels on most paints, they will instruct you to apply the product<br />to a clean, dry surface. How do you get yourself clean? Soap, I thought so!<br /><br />Using any high quality powdered soap product, a heavy sponge, and a scrub brush, wash and rinse down your aluminum material. You will notice that some of the old paint will wash off in this process. Don't be alarmed. Rinse the material until no additional paint pigment can be detected in the rinse water. <br /><br />Allow the material to dry for several days. Apply the thinned metal primer. Consider having the primer tinted to one half strength the color of your finish paint. Your finish coat should consist of a 100 percent acrylic latex paint. Buy the most expensive paint you can find. It<br />usually contains the highest volume of acrylic paint resin. A higher volume of resin translates into a longer lasting paint job.<br /><br />You should apply the finish coat of paint within 48 hours of applying the primer. Absolutely do not paint in direct sunlight or on windy days. These conditions reduce the dwell time of the paint. The finish paint needs to dry slowly to achieve the best mechanical and chemical bond. Cool, overcast days are the best."<br /><br />P.S.<br />advice came from exterior siding (house) site,<br />but seems logical to me, at least for above the<br />water line.<br />thoughts/advice/experience?