Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

JBVolvo

Seaman Apprentice
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May 8, 2008
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34
Obviously I don't want something thats going to flake off the day after I do it, but I don't want to spend an arm and a leg to paint the outside of a small jon boat. Most likely either black or that dark army green color that seems to be the norm.

Any suggestions?
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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51,019
Re: Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

if the boat is going to be trailered, rustoleum works very well. but it is the prep that determines how long the paint stay on.
 

JBVolvo

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May 8, 2008
Messages
34
Re: Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

if the boat is going to be trailered, rustoleum works very well. but it is the prep that determines how long the paint stay on.

what if it's NOT trailered?

and I assume you mean brush paint rustoleum?
What's involved in preping the aluminum beforehand? Sanding? Primer?
 

JCF350

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Oct 21, 2007
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1,149
Re: Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

Prep work,

Remove old paint
Was with Trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution (follow directions).
rinse immediately and well, TSP will lightly etch the aluminum
Prime and paint
Enjoy for years, unless you grind the paint off in places
:D
 

JBVolvo

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 8, 2008
Messages
34
Re: Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

Prep work,

Remove old paint
Was with Trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution (follow directions).
rinse immediately and well, TSP will lightly etch the aluminum
Prime and paint
Enjoy for years, unless you grind the paint off in places
:D

where can I get the TSP? Cost?
Also, do you agree that the rustoleum is a good paint to use?
 

tommays

Admiral
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Jul 4, 2004
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6,768
Re: Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

Are looking for LOOKS or to protect from bottom fouling
 

JCF350

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Oct 21, 2007
Messages
1,149
Re: Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

where can I get the TSP? Cost?
Also, do you agree that the rustoleum is a good paint to use?

Hardware store. Last I bought was a cleaning powder that contained TSP. Don't remember the cost.

Really need an aluminum primer don't know if Rustoleum has one or not. After the primer is on you can use it.

You only need spray cans for looks, I use a brush and roller.
 

tommays

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Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

If your leaving the boat in the water there are issues with paint that is NOT ment to be underwater and it will usally bubble and fail

If your in a saltwater area then Bottoming fouling is and issue and you would need to use and antifoul paint like trilux that is for Alu as standard antifoul paint will dammage Alu


In most freshwater areas the slime can generally be scrubed off pretty easy
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

if it is not trailered and left in the water you need a bottom paint to help keep the growth down. TSP, can be bought at any paint supply store, HD and Lowes also.
 

crazyeddies

Recruit
Joined
May 10, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Cheapest Bottom Paint for aluminum bottoms?

I have used Rustoleum primer and paint on aluminum and it worked out good.

This was a few years back and and still looks good. You will need to touch up the bottom if it gets scraped.

Good luck and let us know your findings and progress.


Ed
 
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