Hey Guys,
I am getting ready to Paint my 77 16' Crestliner Aluminum boat and need tons of advice. I have never done any auto/boat body work and want to get it right.
The boat has been in my family since it was new. it sat for a few years in need of a new transom and we were going to scrap it but my and my brothers kids are almost at the age where they can take the boat out by themselves. I remember taking this boat out by myself for the first time like it was yesterday (30+yrs ago). It was my first real taste of freedom or independence. Being able to hop in the boat and blast down to the other end of the lake was fantastic. I decided to rebuild it for our kids (and maybe for me to fish a little too hehe). last year I replaced all the flotation, floors, transom, seat bottoms, console braces, etc. and went through the engine. We used it all last summer and it was like new inside. A complete success. I told the kids it was "Their" boat which they loved hearing. But now it's back home again this winter because the young owners want it painted and named in honor of my late father.
Anywho, that's the back story about my little boat project. the weather is just starting to cooperate hear on Long Island so I figured I should get going. I have read Yacht Dr.'s sticky on how to prep aluminum for paint but I need to know how to get to that point. specifically, I don't know what grit sand papers to use to prep the metal. there are many gouges down to the base coat of white and a few to the alum. The entire boat was painted white, then they painted over the sides with a dark blue. If anyone can tell me what grit to start with, what grit to finish with, and how many grit changes in between you would be helping me out tremendously. Also, can I used my electric palm/orbital sander for all, a few, or any of these sanding stages? I will buy a real da sander if need be or hand sand when recommended. I will need your advice at all stages of this project but figured I'd ask in stages as I progress.
I plan on using an HVLP or at least trying to. I don't mind doing a lot of prep. I know first hand the benefit of proper prep work on the finished product. I want any imperfections to be in the paint process due to my inexperience, not from cutting corners during prep. if any of you could chime in and lead my down the right path you would be helping me out a ton. I will have pics once I refigure out how to do so. One more sticky to read
Thanks in advance guys
I am getting ready to Paint my 77 16' Crestliner Aluminum boat and need tons of advice. I have never done any auto/boat body work and want to get it right.
The boat has been in my family since it was new. it sat for a few years in need of a new transom and we were going to scrap it but my and my brothers kids are almost at the age where they can take the boat out by themselves. I remember taking this boat out by myself for the first time like it was yesterday (30+yrs ago). It was my first real taste of freedom or independence. Being able to hop in the boat and blast down to the other end of the lake was fantastic. I decided to rebuild it for our kids (and maybe for me to fish a little too hehe). last year I replaced all the flotation, floors, transom, seat bottoms, console braces, etc. and went through the engine. We used it all last summer and it was like new inside. A complete success. I told the kids it was "Their" boat which they loved hearing. But now it's back home again this winter because the young owners want it painted and named in honor of my late father.
Anywho, that's the back story about my little boat project. the weather is just starting to cooperate hear on Long Island so I figured I should get going. I have read Yacht Dr.'s sticky on how to prep aluminum for paint but I need to know how to get to that point. specifically, I don't know what grit sand papers to use to prep the metal. there are many gouges down to the base coat of white and a few to the alum. The entire boat was painted white, then they painted over the sides with a dark blue. If anyone can tell me what grit to start with, what grit to finish with, and how many grit changes in between you would be helping me out tremendously. Also, can I used my electric palm/orbital sander for all, a few, or any of these sanding stages? I will buy a real da sander if need be or hand sand when recommended. I will need your advice at all stages of this project but figured I'd ask in stages as I progress.
I plan on using an HVLP or at least trying to. I don't mind doing a lot of prep. I know first hand the benefit of proper prep work on the finished product. I want any imperfections to be in the paint process due to my inexperience, not from cutting corners during prep. if any of you could chime in and lead my down the right path you would be helping me out a ton. I will have pics once I refigure out how to do so. One more sticky to read
Thanks in advance guys