Re: Texas Maid Gets A Splash Run Soon
Splash run is set for Wednesday...unless we get stormed out.
A good paint job...for a working or show motor is all in the prep.
Should be the last step after you have the mechanicals in order...tune up, etc. My process below is for outboards with aluminum cowls...never done a cosmetic on a fiberglass cowl, but process should be similar.
1.) Clean and degrease it.
2.) If the old top coat paint is sound, you can rough it up with fine steel wool. If the old paint is toast and it's down to primer in spots, might as well start fresh. Use plain old nasty spray-on oven cleaner to take it down to factory primer, follow label/safety directions. Then sand it lightly and rinse.
Work in a comfortable environment with clean rags when sanding and dusting/cleaning. Anything that gets on it now, body oil, perspiration, etc. will cause the paint to fail...when it happens, clean it with soap and water.
3.) Prime it with self-etching, zinc chromate-phosphate primer.
4.) Follow with the color-coat of your choice, then clearcoat. Stick with one brand of primer, color and clear-coat...the paint chemistry must be the same/compatible. If doing decals, apply one light coat of clear-coat and let it dry/cure for a day, then do your decals and let them dry overnight, then add more coats of clear-coat.
5.) Let it cure for 2-3 days in a hot, dry environment...I use my garage or shop. Dust it off and apply a coat or two of wax.
Note: Temperature and humidity are important. Follow the application guide/directions from the paint manufacturer. I live at 3,500 feet altitude and very dry/arid climate. I only paint when it's above 65 degrees with less than 60% humidity. Wear safety glasses and a mask and apply in sweeps, applying paint in short bursts. You may have to practice on some scrap until you get this down pat. Stay 8 to 10 inches from whatever surface your painting.
6.) If you have to do several colors on a cowl, prime it and then completely coat it with the dominant color (probably white)...let it dry for a day, then mask it off and paint the next color...repeat as necessary depending on how many colors involved.
It takes me week or two to do a repaint following these steps, depending on the weather. I use Duplicolor auto paints in a rattle can because mine are working motors and I want to be able to touch up the scratches they get while in use. Here's some pix of the Johnson RD-19 that I just finished and put on the transom...took me about two weeks from start to finish on the cosmetics, working whenever the weather allowed...in between honey-dos and other chores (tree trimming, etc.)
Final tip: Never get in a hurry, don't rush it. If you move too fast, you'll wind up doing it over again. Choose your work days, and work at a relaxed pace.