Does this Aluminium bar need a coating???

[Expidia]

I Had this made at a metal shop yesterday to jack up our 25 hp merc.

It looks great as I sanded it shiny with some emery paper on a mouse handheld sander.

Is there some spray or coating I should put on this bar though. If I don't coat it won't it oxidize. I use it in freshwater use only.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Does this Aluminium bar need a coating???

If I don't coat it won't it oxidize.

Yes,... Paint it...

 

[Expidia]

Re: Does this Aluminium bar need a coating???

Yes,... Paint it...

Thx Bond-0
I figured that was going to be the answer. Maybe the aluminum gunnels are anodized and that's why they don't turn.

Either way, the prop could use a touch up too so I'll spray the bar and the prop first with the self etching primer that I have and then a few coats of the Merc propeller black.

Actually, once that bar is gloss black it will match the rest of the outboard!

 

[pmillar]

Re: Does this Aluminium bar need a coating???

You could put a clear coat on if you wanted.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Does this Aluminium bar need a coating???

^^^^^ thats what I was thinking...shine that puppy up and clear coat it

 

[Expidia]

Re: Does this Aluminium bar need a coating???

Ya, that's why I asked if it needs to be coated because it's a good looking piece of aluminum.

But then I realized if I spray it gloss black the same color as the Merc it will blend in and one would not even realize that its there to raise the outboard up.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Does this Aluminium bar need a coating???

You need to get an etching primer on it before you paint it, paint doesn't like to stick to aluminum, paint or clear will peel after a short time if you don't.

Unfortunately that primer is translucent yellow so you are kinda stuck wiht the black.

You can get that at any auto parts store.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Does this Aluminium bar need a coating???

You need to get an etching primer on it before you paint it, paint doesn't like to stick to aluminum, paint or clear will peel after a short time if you don't.

Unfortunately that primer is translucent yellow so you are kinda stuck wiht the black.

You can get that at any auto parts store.

Hmmm, guess you didn't read my post above?

Here it is again below:

Yes,... Paint it...

Thx Bond-0
I figured that was going to be the answer. Maybe the aluminum gunnels are anodized and that's why they don't turn.

Either way, the prop could use a touch up too so I'll spray the bar and the prop first with the self etching primer that I have and then a few coats of the Merc propeller black.

Actually, once that bar is gloss black it will match the rest of the outboard!

expidia: I've touched up props enough times to only watch the paint come off again after only a few outings. Some prop repair shops just hit it with rustoleum instead of priming it and that comes off too. Etching primer It's getting harder to find though. I buy mine at Auto Zone. They have it in a very light green.

I'm going to buy a case of it since its only $5 a can, because fewer and fewer stores seem to carry etching primer. I fear the global warming or green crowd may eventually get it banned due to the acid in it!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Does this Aluminium bar need a coating???

paint doesn't like to stick to aluminum, paint or clear will peel after a short time if you don't.

Ayuh,.... I keep hearing that...
I built my own semi-ridged bimini outa various pieces of scrap tubing I could find...
I spent nearly a year puttin' it together...
When it was done,...
I hit every bit of it with a SSteel brush,+ shot it with Rustoleum Clear....All in the same work session,... No time outs, or nothing, just brushed,+ coated...

That was 8 years ago,+ it's Still in fine shape, without corrosion, or peeling clearcoat....

Your results may vary......