Re: 1964 15' Starcraft Aluminum Runabout Project
Re: 1964 15' Starcraft Aluminum Runabout Project
OK, I've been on the lam for a while so I thought it was time for an update.
My intention was to follow Pettit's directions for Easypoxy exactly, but as often happens, circumstances got in the way of intentions. It's pretty close but with a little modification. So far here's what I've done to the hull:
1) stripped bottom and transom
2) sanded remaining paint and bare transom with 150 grit sandpaper
3) applied Pettit 6455 2-part ZC etching metal primer to bare metal areas according to directions
4) lightly smoothed over with green scotch pad
5) applied Pettit 6149 white undercoater over 6455 and old painted areas
6) as mentioned above, I had trouble with my roller and ended up sanding "most" of the 6149 off in some areas because of orange peel, using 150 then 220 for a nice smooth surface
7) here's where I had to deviate and had to touch up aluminum areas using spray Moeller ZC etching primer, where the sanding cut thru to bare metal. Then went over those areas lightly with a scotch pad being careful not to overdo it, just to smooth it up a bit
That's how it ended up looking like this:
A couple days ago, I spent about half a day making my Red Green paint booth up against my man-cave shed, while the neighbors looked on curiously. Cost = $0, all materials were on hand. Woodonglass suggested this to me (thanks), but it was the copious amounts of bird crap I found on the boat when I returned from the lake after a few days that really swung the pendulum.
The next 4 days have a forecast of warm, dry weather, so here goes. This morning, I washed it with very dilute dish detergent and water, rinsed and dried with a cloth. Tomorrow morning I'll mask it off with green tape, hit it with a tack cloth and start rolling on the Easypoxy.
I decided against going with the Majic hardener for a couple reasons:
I want to get started in this rare window of perfect weather for one. And a couple days ago, I opened all my cans of Burgundy Easypoxy and stirred each one to make sure it hadn't separated. I've had the paint since February and it is in great shape. Anyway, I thought to check my stirring stick the next day, and the paint was quite hard and smooth where there was a thin coating, but still soft where it was thicker, and on drips. So note to self, apply thin coats. I'm having trouble finding the Majic locally.
This is an epic moment in my restoration! I usually do a pretty good job painting, but I hate doing it, and I've never used these materials before, so wish me luck, I'll need all I can get! (Sorry for the long post!)
