After doing plenty of research, and talking with several companies about their paint products, I decided it was time to refinish my outdrives. The paint was coming off in several areas, and it was time to do them before they suffered any corrosion damage.
The first step was to get them media blasted. The company I used did them in a blasting booth, which is really the best way. They did not use sand or soda, but instead they used lime. All of the original paint and primer was removed, and the blasting left a perfect surface for the primer to adhere to. A simple wash with a bit of soap and water, was all it took to remove any blasting residue.
After making sure they were completely dry, the next step was to prime them. I decided to go with Akzo Nobel Awlgrip 545 grey primer, as it requires no further treatment "if" the aluminum is media blasted. This is an above or below the waterline 2 part epoxy primer, which is then reduced up to 25% for spraying. It was very easy to spray, and provided excellent coverage. This primer has time a window, whereby there is no need to sand before the final topcoats. I felt this was inportant, as hand sanding every little spot on these drives, would be very difficult if not impossible.
After 3 coats of primer, it was time for the topcoats. Again, I decided to use Akzo Nobel paint. The one used is high solids 2 part single stage polyurethane. Again coverage was excellent, and I think finished results look pretty good. [see below] The last step, will be to apply the new OEM Bravo decals.
All of the painting was done in a paint booth, while wearing a proper filtered mask. DO NOT do this type of spraying without the right equipment! This paint is nasty stuff!
Here are the links to the primer and topcoat paints.
http://www.awlgrip.com/products/search/pages/545_Epoxy_Primer.aspx
http://www.akzonobelcarrefinishes.net/default.asp?sid=65395&pid=452
The first step was to get them media blasted. The company I used did them in a blasting booth, which is really the best way. They did not use sand or soda, but instead they used lime. All of the original paint and primer was removed, and the blasting left a perfect surface for the primer to adhere to. A simple wash with a bit of soap and water, was all it took to remove any blasting residue.
After making sure they were completely dry, the next step was to prime them. I decided to go with Akzo Nobel Awlgrip 545 grey primer, as it requires no further treatment "if" the aluminum is media blasted. This is an above or below the waterline 2 part epoxy primer, which is then reduced up to 25% for spraying. It was very easy to spray, and provided excellent coverage. This primer has time a window, whereby there is no need to sand before the final topcoats. I felt this was inportant, as hand sanding every little spot on these drives, would be very difficult if not impossible.
After 3 coats of primer, it was time for the topcoats. Again, I decided to use Akzo Nobel paint. The one used is high solids 2 part single stage polyurethane. Again coverage was excellent, and I think finished results look pretty good. [see below] The last step, will be to apply the new OEM Bravo decals.
All of the painting was done in a paint booth, while wearing a proper filtered mask. DO NOT do this type of spraying without the right equipment! This paint is nasty stuff!
Here are the links to the primer and topcoat paints.
http://www.awlgrip.com/products/search/pages/545_Epoxy_Primer.aspx
http://www.akzonobelcarrefinishes.net/default.asp?sid=65395&pid=452
