[maddog5203]

i am repainting my aluminum boat and am not sure what to use for the bottom. i purchased interlux ultra with biolux and when i read the directions it said not to use on aluminum, so i have to send it back. i was told to sand off the old paint and then use an etching primer, then prime, and then use the interlux topside paint that i also bought. can i use it on the sides and bottom, it contains teflon. i fish both salt and fresh. anyone know what is best for aluminum?

[seadogg2]

Earlier this year I completely stripped the old paint from my 16 ft aluminum boat then used a self-etching zinc chromate primer and a topside polyurethane paint to completely repaint the boat. It is used primarily in salt water and has held up well all summer. Hope this helps.

[DJ]

maddog5203,If the old paint is adhering well, do not remove it. It's not necessary.Any bare spots should be handled this way.1. Scuff with 120 grit paper.2. Wash with 50/50 solution of vinegar/water.3. Apply a coat of Zinc Chromate primer. Both Interlux and Pettit offer them. Scuff again with 120.4. Apply primer. I like Interlux-Metal Prep. Scuff again with 120.5. Apply paint. I like the one part epoxies from Interlux or Pettit. Wet sand between coats with 220 paper.Here's what it can look like-when done. This one was mine. http://mypeoplepc.com/members/djohns19/djohns19/

[CCrew]

Schweet! Looks good. Nice job!-Roger

[airman]

What to use depends on how you store the boat. DJohns boat looks great. If you trailer, as it looks like he does, use his paint process and avoid antifouling paints. It's way cheaper and the boat will perform better because you get a smoother bottom. You also won't get any corrosion problems from the copper. If you store it in the water you need the antifouling (biolux, etc.) The best was the old tin-based stuff but it was banned because it turns out it's too good and it kills everything. You can still get it in spray cans for outdrives but it's big $. Interlux has worked to develop some new copper-based paints that don't attack the aluminum as bad but you're better off not using it if you don't have to. If you must use it, make sure your boat is well zinced. The best way IMHO is to go DJohn's way and trailer the boat.

[ratherbefishin]

It's still safer to completely strip the old paint right off right down to clean bare metal and go from there-and you don't have to sand it either.Use one of the ''new generation'' chemical strippers on the market- non toxic, doesn't burn your hands, no fumes.Check out www.napierenvironmental.com and see where you can get it.The stuff is used to strip aircraft

[mn_mike]

maddog,Post back if you can send your paint back. I couldn't find a shipper who would move paint. I had to carry it back.

[maddog5203]

so far johnstown dist. have not agreed to take it back, i am still waiting for their reply. i will post if i am able to do this and how i did it.