painting aluminun boat bottom

[plmbr]

I would like to paint the bottom of my princecraft aluminum boat so it doesn't glisten and spook the fish. So I'd appreciate any help with what and how to clean it properly. and what type of paint to use so it will stay on the boat. I've tried tremclad and similar products on another boat .It wouldn't stay on very long. Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: painting aluminun boat bottom

Here is what I did.<br /><br />1. Sand entire boat with 120 grit wet sandpaper.<br /><br />2. Wash entire boat with 50/50 solution of vinegar and water.<br /><br />3. Apply one coat (thin) of zinc chromate paint.<br /><br />4. Wet sand with 120 (very lightly).<br /><br />5. Apply one coat "Metalprep" primer. <br /><br />6. Wet sand with 120 grit.<br /><br />7. Apply finish coat of one part epoxy paint. I used Interlux "Brightside" one part epoxy-white.<br /><br />8. Wet sand with 220 grit wet sand paper.<br /><br />9. Apply final coat of "Brightside" one part epoxy paint.<br /><br />Hints: <br /><br />1. Use only the thinners approved by the paint manufacturer.<br /><br />2. Use very high quality brushes.<br /><br />3. You will need one quart zinc chromate, one quart metalprep, two quarts final coat-Brightside.<br /><br />I brushed mine. The Interlux paint flows out beautifully. You have to get very close to tell it's brushed.<br /><br />All of the paints and thinners mentioned above are available at: www.westmarine.com<br /><br />You could also use the products available from Pettit Paints. I used Interlux this time, because it was on sale.<br /><br />By the way, here's a link to the last one I did.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=26;t=000270#000000