Painting Volvo SX Outdrive

[falcon88]

Here is the plan. If I'm missing something let me know:
1. Clean outdrive and de-grease
2. Sand with 3M 180 grit sand paper
3. Apply AlumiPrep #33
4. Apply Alodine
5. Interlux Trilux Prop & Drive Antifouling Primer
6. Moeller Motor Spray Paint (Volvo Grey)

The outdrive will not be removed since it is really not in that bad of paint shape. Most of the work will be touch up versus painting the whole drive.

Thanks

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Painting Volvo SX Outdrive

I would use the Moeller primer.Some primers will react with the paint and cause it to wrinkle up.
Really a pain after doing all the prep work and find out you have to start over.
Been there before...Had to redo mine after 3 days of sanding and priming..

I just used the Moeller Zinc Chromate primer on mine and the Moeller paint laid out really nice over it.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Painting Volvo SX Outdrive

Falcon88,

First off, a hearty WELCOME ABOARD!
These guys on here are great and really care and know their stuff..Me, I just care, lol..

But....(always a but..)
This involves a paintbrush not a toolbox, there are forums with tons of painting, flooring, fiberglass repair questions here on Iboats and I bet you will always get a response from someone that has or is doing the exact same project (much like Gary H's response!)

Note to Don S...
Hope I'm not stepping on toes..

 

[gcboat]

Re: Painting Volvo SX Outdrive

Welcome to the "zoo" falcon 88,

Your process as well thought out as is may be has some unnecessary steps you could avoid.
If your lower unit just needs a touch up and no bare metal is showing then forget everything except applying the top coat. ( Of course the prep is necessary). If you have a spot or two of bare metal showing then prep and a shot of zinc chromate ( with a 24 hour dry time ) followed by your top coat is all that is necessary.
All of your aforementioned steps are great but again - not needed. Especially for a spot job.

 

[DJ]

Re: Painting Volvo SX Outdrive

Before priming, wash it with a 50/50 solution of White Vinegar and water. That will not only degrease but also "etch" any bare metal.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Painting Volvo SX Outdrive

Only thing wrong with your painting procedure is step #6. You're doing a lot of work to then use a single part paint as a topcoat. You'll find the professional two-part paints (use a catylytic hardner) available from automotive suppliers such as PPG, BASF, etc to be far superior to the spray cans. I've been repainting outdrives using the Merc procedure in this FAQ since 1999. They all still look brand new. I would follow the Merc procedures for your outdrive, just get the paint in the color you want instead of Merc black. If you're going to use the spray cans just hit it with the primer then paint and call it done.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/serviceandwarranty/mercruiserfaqs/technicalinformation.php#1135

Info below is copied from the link:

Is there a factory authorized repainting procedure for my sterndrive?
Yes, MerCruiser has a refinishing procedure available. For best results we recommend this procedure be performed professionally.

Refinishing procedure:

This procedure should be used in refinishing MerCruiser sterndrives and transom plates. This procedure will provide the most durable paint system available in the field. The listed materials should be purchased from a local DITZLER AUTOMOTIVE finish supply outlet. The minimum packaged quantity of each material shown is sufficient to refinish several sterndrives and transom assemblies.

1 QT. DX-533 Alumiprep #33 metal preparation
1 QT. DX-503 Alodine #1201 conversion coating
1 QT. DP-40 Non sanding Epoxy Primer zinc chromate primer
1 QT. DP-401 Catalyst for DP-40
1 QT. DAR-9000 Acrylic Enamel-black topcoat
1 Pt. DXR-80 Delthane Ultra-additive for acrylic enamel
1 QT. DTR-602 Acrylic Enamel Reducer-temperature range 70-90 degree F.

PROCEDURE:

1. Scuff sand to remove all blistered paint and roughen factory finish. Remove sanding dust.
2. Follow manufacturer's recommendations and instructions on the individual containers.
3. Apply DX-533 (Alumiprep #33) to clean and condition the aluminum.
4. Apply DX-503 (Alodine #1201) brush on chemical conversion coating for aluminum.
5. The DP-40 (Epoxy Chromate Primer) mixed with DP-401 Catalyst can now be applied. A .75 mil film build is recommended.
NOTE: Allow 30 minute induction period for permeation of the epoxy chromate primer and the catalyst prior to application.
6. The topcoat consists of DAR-9000 Acrylic Enamel Black and the DXR-80 Delthane Ultra additive, and DTR-602 Reducer. It is a polyurethane acrylic enamel system which provides fast drying, durability, high resistance to corrosion and good color and gloss retention.
7. The type of spray gun used will determine the proper reduction ratio IMPORTANT: DO NOT use any type of aerosol spray paints, as the paint will not properly adhere to the surface, nor will the coating be sufficiently thick to resist future paint blistering.
NOTE: DO NOT PAINT SACRIFICIAL ANODES.

 

[falcon88]

Re: Painting Volvo SX Outdrive

Thanks for the help and I will definitely look at the merc procedure.