[fishjefffish]

I want to paint my aluminum jon. It has the original paint. What are the least expensive products to use to do this? Primer? Paint? Top coat? Original paint is chiping at handrail and scratches other areas. I want the simpliest least expensive method. Any help appreciated.

[AZMinyard]

There are a ton of articles on painting aluminum boats. Start with a search, then post any specific questions you may have.

It's not a tough as you might think - basically knock down the loose paint, prime with self-etching primer and paint.

[tashasdaddy]

home depot and rustoleum oil base. good wash down, sand any loose paint, and give it heck with a 4 inch roller and small brush. brightens it up for less than $20.00.

[fishjefffish]

Thanks. I have been reading and researching. My boat is a 12 footer. Can I use spray on self-etching primer? Can I use a simple outdoor oil based paint, like barn paint from Lowe's that is oil based enamel? I can't find a top coat unless I go automotive and that is a lot more $$$. Thanks for any more suggestions.
Jeff

[fishjefffish]

Thanks Tash. Anything on top of the paint? I don't want ir to look trashy. Just a little (small) class on the water.

[tashasdaddy]

here are 2 i did with regular can roll and brush rustoleum the green top was even a can of match spray paint.

[jburn25]

I painted my old 14' john boat a couple years ago and it came out really good. I cleaned it really well first with soap and water. Then I scrubbed it with a brillow pad type thing that came with a special aluminum cleanser that I got from NAPA auto paint store. NAPA people hooked me up with a cheap (but very functional and quick) sprayer to attach to my air compressor. They mixed up a two part aluminum primer, one part to stick to aluminum, other part to stick to primer and new paint. Then they gave me a two part paint mix to use with my sprayer. I did it all one afternoon and it came out really good and less than 100 bucks total. I had just enough paint to give everything a good or two layers but could've used more. I had NAPA match the paint color to my favorite spray can green color so that anytime I hit something like a rock and scratched it I could just spray over it with spray paint and it matched perfect.

Prep is the key for getting the paint to stick. Go get a good primer etc from somewhere and clean the boat really good.

[fishjefffish]

Thanks for the help.

Been busy here with ice storm problems. No power for one week until today.

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