regular primer or etching primer?

A

alabamadawg

Seaman Apprentice
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Jan 19, 2010
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I'm about to paint my aluminum bass tracker to be a duck boat but didnt know which primer to use... any thoughts..
What does etching primer do different from clean metal primer? Thanks
 
JimS123

JimS123

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Re: regular primer or etching primer?

Most primers are designed for use with wood or steel. Aluminum and galvanized metal require a primer that will bond to the substrate and not peel.

So, to answer your question you MUST use a self-etching primer. NAPA auto stores have the best and most cost effective product.

Now, if your boat is already painted, no need for primer. Just prime any bare metal spots.

Just to clarify, when I said MUST, no you can use anything else if you don't care how well it sticks....LOL.
 
sbooy42

sbooy42

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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May 24, 2009
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Re: regular primer or etching primer?

yes if you want it to stick to metal it has to etched
 
Bob_VT

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
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Re: regular primer or etching primer?

Bare aluminum? or already painted boat?

All bare spots and bare aluminum should be treated with alodine, primed with zinc chromate then painted..... only if you want to do it properly and have the paint stick.
 
jspano

jspano

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Re: regular primer or etching primer?

advance auto carries the same can of self etching primer for far less.
 
A

alabamadawg

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Jan 19, 2010
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Re: regular primer or etching primer?

Bare aluminum....am going to sand to rough up the finish but found some rustolem primer for bare aluminum...I hope it works
 
JimS123

JimS123

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Re: regular primer or etching primer?

jspano said:
advance auto carries the same can of self etching primer for far less.
Click to expand...

I was paying $19 a can from a marine store. Then I found an auto paint shop for $12. NAPA charges just short of $7. How much is Advance?
 
jspano

jspano

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Messages
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Re: regular primer or etching primer?

napa charged me just south of 10.00 and anvance(same brand) 5 and change
 
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