[gsonnier]

I see many helpful topics about painting aluminum boats but my situation is a little different. I just ripped off the old carpet and glue from the front and back decks of my 15'4" Weld Craft; I then sanded down the aluminum. I'm considering painting the decks instead of recarpeting. I see that west marine has all of these products that everyone is talking about on the forums, i.e, Interlux, etc. None of them are really specific to boat decks though. I'm curious about the Slip-No-More product and how durable it is-any ideas? I'm really just looking for a paint that dries to a very hard surface that can take the abuse of saltwater fishing, anchor mud, foot traffic, etc; won't fade, chip or crack. I'm concerned that the downside to using regular boat paint will be a very slick surface when wet. Thanks in advance.

[JasonJ]

If you use the Evercoat No-Skid, scuff the aluminum surface with an aggressive grit, like 40 grit or something like that, then wipe with acetone. You want as much bite as possible. The stuff has worked well for me. Good luck...

[gsonnier]

Thanks JasonJ. I'm taking your advice and I'll see what happens. I was able to scuff it up pretty good w/ 60 on an orbital sander. Then again you just never know when it comes to painting aluminum.The product states that no primer is required so I'll follow the directions. Did you use primer?Thanks.

[Ryoken]

any aluminum being painted needs a selfetching primer or it WILL peel. most commonly used is a green primer known as zinc chromate. you don't need much, just a transparent coat. i suggest picking up a couple rattlecans of it at a minimum, most any auto parts store will carry it...

[JasonJ]

Evercoat is designed to be applied directly to any metal and fiberglass without primer (if you are using that product). Use of a primer will compromise the bond. It isn't a paint, so you don't follow painting rules. Good luck..

[gsonnier]

Thanks for the help JasonJ. I'm waiting for the temperature to hop over 60 so I can get my paint on.

[nigelbear]

interlux makes a product called "interdeck" that is a non-slip finish. You can use it in the paint, sprinkled on top of the paint or apply it to the paint afterwards.

[OBJ]

I got a buddy that tore his carpet up and wondered what to do with it. So.....he took to one of those places that does spray in bed liner and got them to do the floors. Looks good and ya' don't slip around. He had the motor well done to.