Re: Repainting an Aluminum Propeller?
OK here is how you do it correctly.I have done this many,many times and this is the ONLY way the paint will hold up and stay on.Whether it is a prop or an outdrive you must begin with all paint and primer removed.ALL OF IT..You must also be certain to sand all of the edges,super important on props.When it is all gone degrease with any strong cleaner type degreaser like simple green or preferrably stronger Castrol degreaser.When you are done do it again with a scrubbie pad.Next step is to pour or spray white vinegar all over it .Next step is to wipe with thinners compatible with the paint you are using.After doing this only handle the prop by the hub and you must wear clean rubber gloves.This is usually the part that everyone screws up on.They handle it before primimg and painting.Put the prop in the sun so it gets warm or even hot.Use zinc phosphate primer as first choice and zinc chromate as second choice.Make sure the can of primer and paint is also warm and not cool.Leave it in car on a sunny day it will be plenty warm then.Place the prop on a broomstick or similar and place it horizontally with the prop suspended.Keep this in the sun.Spray 1 coat of primer starting with the edges and finishing with the edges so they really get 2 coats with the first coat.This should dry in less than a half an hour if it was not overapplied and it must stay in the sun.Do a second coat the same way and let it dry at least for a few hours in the sun or wait until the following day.I use tempo paint.Again,let the primed prop sit in the sun and coat the same way as you primed.If you use black paint it will bake on really nice in the sun.A light coating works best followed by another while it is barely tacky and apply possible a third coat.Three coats work best for me as long as you dont spray too heavily.After it is painted let it bake in the sun for as long as you can.I put it in the sun for at least 3 days before touching it(I bring it in after the sun goes down)Thats it!!!!!It takes a while to do and has taken me a long time to perfect.Its hard to say if it is worth in for a prop but it is surely worth it for an outdrive.I have found that the edges of the prop is usually a problem spot and thats where the paint first fails and the rest will follow.Dont forget to sand the edges and dont touch,prime the edges and dont touch and paint the edges first and last.Paint and primer should be warm and most important let the sun keep the prop warm to hot and also will MAKE it dry right.The longer you wait after it dries to use it the better.Then wrap the wrench in a rag when putting it back on.Dont chip or scratch the prop when installing.Is all this worth it????It is to me but you will have to judge for yourself.I am sure everyone will have their shortcuts and preferences on how to do this but this is the only method ,after many trial and errors, that worked without any paint loss after an entire season.If you hit a sand bar the first time out you are screwed!!!!Charlie
