Restoring a 1988 Force Engine Cowling

[21BaylinerCC]

I have begun sanding the existing paint off the engine cowling on my '88 125hp Force outboard. I made it down to the primer (which looks decent - no gouges below the primer), ad my question is whether i should keep sanding below the primer or two leave it and paint over it. I am concerned that if i leave the primer, the paint i use on top of it will not be compatible. I do not know what type of primer the factory used. My two question s are:
1) Should i sand all of the original factory primer off and apply a new primer?
2) What type of primer and paint should i use?

 

[Woodonglass]

I'd leave it an apply new primer over it. I'd use Acrylic enamel with hardener. Rustoleum clean metal primer works well. Lots of people have used it on cowlings with great success, including me...http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat...lamingo-splashed-w-pics?p=7562683#post7562683

 

[ondarvr]

You don't need to sand the old paint off unless it's not bonded well and is peeling.

 

[21BaylinerCC]

The previous owner decided to apply an aftermarket paint over top of the existing paint that has since bubbled and began to flake. I am going to sand the paint off down to the primer. From there I will apply a primer over top of the previous one. I am looking at the rust oleum marine fiberglass/wood primer. Then I will cost with black topside paint. Anyone have experience with these products?

 

[Woodonglass]

You can use that, but, you can just use the Clean Metal Primer and then the Rustoleum Pro Oil Based Paint with the Added Hardener.

Paint Your Boat with Tractor Paint...Say What!!!

Ace Hardware Sells basically the same paint. Called Rust Stop. Do you have a compressor and Spray Gun??

 

[21BaylinerCC]

I do own a compressor and spray gun. I have a little experience with it, so any tips are much appreciated!
I am very hesitant to use paint for which i need to apply clearcoat - I painted my tailgate twice and both times it came out with orange peel:/

 

[Woodonglass]

The Acrylic Enamel doesn't need clear coat and in fact we don't recommend using it. The hardener additive yields a very High Gloss and durable finish that lasts a long time and doesn't really require a clear coat. I think you'd like it