Guide for Painting Aluminum

Hi,

I'm hoping to give a bit of life to the aluminum beater at the cottage. I've gone down the rabbit hole of this site's search but have not come up with what I was hoping to find. And I've seen some conflicting approaches (sanding vs not sanding bare aluminum, wire vs. plastic grinders etc.)

Does anybody have a straightforward guide for painting aluminum?

Thanks
Tyler

welcome aboard, Guy !

can you post some photos of what you have ?
where are you located, will you be in salt or fresh water?
what kind of paint is on the boat now?

Woops, a few more details would probably help.
Fresh water, I'm not too sure how old it is: 70's-80's...?? In the water 6-7 months of the year, stored in a garage over winter.

To my recollection the majority of the boat isn't painted, only a small portion above the waterline. I was planning on using chemical stripper for that portion, but I don't have a clear understanding of the surface prep, primer and finish processes. Planning to use roller and tip method.

Stumbled upon this: https://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-repair-and-restoration/boat-restoration-building-and-hull-repair/468504-steps-to-prep-aluminuim-with-pics?t=457159

Is the chemical prep necessary?

Thanks
Tyler

photos of your boat will help the gallery help you

as you have already stated - - - there are so many methods to prep and paint a boat.
it boils down to you, your skills, your time, how far into it do you want to go.

This is what I have done the past week:
- for the outside of the hull -
sanded down loose and flaking paint
chemical strip areas that had several layers of paint
feathered down all blemishes
applied Rust-Oleum Industrial Alkyd DTM oil base Primer (special order item).
applying 2 or 3 thin coats of Rust-Oleum TopSide oil enamel.
- for the inside of the hull -
bleach, Purple Power degreaser and power wash
will paint with a tan colored exterior latex flat house paint. (no primer).

you said that the boat stays in the water all summer ??
really can't tell you what paint to use below the water line.
it has been 30 or more years since I have left a boat in the water
longer than 3 days. You would have to order a special bottom paint
online - not anti-fouling - just a good name brand bottom paint.
if you are not going to paint the bottom, just clean it good.
Dale H. has a fleet of boats that he leaves in the water all summer.
maybe he can shed some light on bottom stuff.
if it ain't broke - don't try to fix it.




,

Thanks for the help Johnny. Like I said it's been a beater. Once the ice clears and the dock is down the boat sits till the dock comes up, and to the best of my knowledge its been like that it's whole life (we inherited it ~10yrs ago).

I was on the fence about painting the bottom. Ideally, I would like to for aesthetics, but if I can't justify the cost it's not a huge loss. More concerned w/ the interior and painted hull portions.

I've attached a pic, but I don't have one of the hull itself right now. I believe it's original paint above the waterline and if I recall there's no flaking (might not even have to use the paint stripper than...?), Was really hoping to rely on power washer, sand paper, wire brushes and not have to get too messy with chemicals.

Thanks
Tyler

Tyler - I was reading a bit last night about bottom paints.
in fresh water - it is suggested not to use any kind of anti-fouling paint.
on the other side of the fence, when bottom paint is used, it promotes
algae and other green junk to grow on the bottom.
so - if it has had a bare bottom hull all these years, and it is fine,
I would suggest your comments. Power wash, scrub, sand, clean, etc.
and leave it be. No wax or clear coat is recommended.
as for repainting the already painted areas, there are many, many
threads on how to repaint a boat. Again, depends on your skillset and time.
power wash - scrub - clean - sand - remove loose and scaling paint,
prime and paint.

good luck !

Thanks Johnny.

Tyler