First time spraying outdrive anti-fouling

[tpenfield]

Over the years I have tried all sorts of methods applying the anti-fouling paint to the outdrive(s) of my boat each spring in preparation for the boating season. Brush, rollers, pads, spray can, etc.

Of late, the spray cans have been the worst (the valve always seems to fail and the cost of the spray cans is a ripoff) . . . the roller has been the best.

One thing I that I had not tried was a spray gun . . . figuring that it would cause more of a mess than it was worth. However, this year I tried it . . . the results . . . .Unbelievable :thumb:

I use Trilux 33 (black) because that has worked out the best over the years. I have been buying the quart can to do both outdrives and the propellers. This year I decided to try spraying the paint (a La spray gun). Departing from my normal course of action, I read the instructions on the can, looking for what might be used to thin the paint for spraying, which didn't say anything about thinning.

The instructions clearly stated to apply the paint by brush or roller and "do not use an airless sprayer". No problem, I have an HVLP sprayer and a compressor



I was able to thin the paint with mineral spirits and tried it out.
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The results were awesome . . . The HVLP gun ( $12 @ Harbor Freight) did a great job applying a nice coat of AF paint without much over spray. I think my regular HP spray gun would have been a nightmare, but the HVLP gun worked out nicely. I was able to get into all the nooks and crannies of the outdrive with the spray, which is quite difficult with the brush or roller.

I think I will make this my annual ritual going forward. Just wanted to share.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Tip - if you soak the HF gun in a bucket of acetone or lacquer thinner, the plastic knobs melt.

 

[tpenfield]

Tip - if you soak the HF gun in a bucket of acetone or lacquer thinner, the plastic knobs melt.

That sounds like a great idea !!! :nod:

I think the adjustment knobs are metal . . . maybe I bought the high-end $20 version?

 

[Bob_VT]

. maybe I bought the high-end $20 version?

That's funny! Hey, my spray gun cleaner will flat out dissolve plastics!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

That sounds like a great idea !!! :nod:

I think the adjustment knobs are metal . . . maybe I bought the high-end $20 version?

the knob on the side is plastic...... i have 4 of the HF purple guns, two with melted knobs (I now adjust with a pliers)

 

[Lou C]

Thanks Ted I've been thinking about doing that for years, what size compressor do you need for that? I have been brushing on 2 coats of Trilux II where I can reach it and just spraying the in-accessible areas you can't reach with the brush. Your drives look much better than mine...I have way too much build up at this point! 18 years worth of salt water moorage...

 

[tpenfield]

I have and old (1983 vintage) 1 hp belt-driven air compressor.

 

[Lou C]

Ah the oldies are the goodies! If I go to buy one of the Harbor Freight spray guns I'll ask them what they recommend, the guys in my local store are pretty good!

 

[crazy charlie]

would a cheapie pancake compressor be enough to do the job?

 

[harringtondav]

would a cheapie pancake compressor be enough to do the job?

Yes. I bought the top 'o line HF. $75. All metal. Consumes only 15 CFM @ 40 psi. Same with the less expensive models.

I used it for patch repair gel coat spraying a few yrs back. It worked great...until I ruined it from incomplete cleaning. I thought I'd be OK by shooting acetone through it after a shoot. Nope. "Completely clean" means tearing it down completely including the spacing ring and needle seat. And very quickly after gel coat. Shooting acetone cleared a hole through the goo that got smaller with each shoot until the gun was a rock hard gel coat blob.

I bought a second to finish the job. Still works great for fine work with conventional finishes.

 

[Bondo]

would a cheapie pancake compressor be enough to do the job?

Ayuh,..... At worst, you might have to wait a minute to build the pressure back up, between shots of paintin',......

Compared to the price of rattlecan spray paint, you can buy a H/F spray gun, 'n toss it when yer done,.....