Hi all,
I've been following the many great threads on this forum for the last few months and thought I'd ask for some much needed advice. A few weeks back I started prepping my 1960s aluminum Starcraft to seal it and give it a new paint job. The last paint job was cracking in certain areas and, even though I've used it for several seasons, its always leaked (as long as I've owned it that is). Anyway, I'm doing this on a limited schedule, budget, resources, and skill level so please keep that in mind. Also, I live in an apartment building and don't have a work space. After reading through many threads I decided to take these steps to complete the job. I'm about half way through and could really use some advice on where I'm at and the direction I should be going considering what I've done so far. I’ll post my questions at the end.
I've been following the many great threads on this forum for the last few months and thought I'd ask for some much needed advice. A few weeks back I started prepping my 1960s aluminum Starcraft to seal it and give it a new paint job. The last paint job was cracking in certain areas and, even though I've used it for several seasons, its always leaked (as long as I've owned it that is). Anyway, I'm doing this on a limited schedule, budget, resources, and skill level so please keep that in mind. Also, I live in an apartment building and don't have a work space. After reading through many threads I decided to take these steps to complete the job. I'm about half way through and could really use some advice on where I'm at and the direction I should be going considering what I've done so far. I’ll post my questions at the end.
- I’ve stripped the top paint with Airplane stripper from AutoZone. However, I only took the top coats off and left most of the factory finish (I’m assuming that’s what it is) on since it’s adhering well (see image).
- I cleaned the seams and rivets well and sanded the hull using 80 grit sand paper.
- I cleaned the entire hull at the car wash pressure spraying the seams in rivets and cleaning with the scrub brush.
- After, I cleaned the hull with acetone to remove any grease or grim.
- Tomorrow, I will be applying Gluvit to the seams and rivets and letting it sit for the recommended 48 hours.
- After the Gluvit hardens I am going to lightly sand the gluvit and “acid wash” the hull with a white vinegar and water mixture.
- I’ve purchased several shake cans of Rust-Oleum “Aluminum Primer” but I may exchange for self-etching (that’s one of my questions).
- After I’ve primed the boat, I’m going to use tractor paint from Tractor Supply as recommended by Iboat member “Woodonglass.” http://forums.iboats.com/forum/boat-...-w-pics/page16
- I removed the topcoats off the hull but the base paint remains (sanded). However, there are several areas where the bare metal is exposed. Do I need a light coat of self etching on the entire hull or just the bare metal parts. Will the self etching eat away at the base paint?
- If I use a light coat of SE primer what primer should follow? And how much primer should I be putting on total?
- Are there any steps I should be taking or products I should consider?
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