TEACH ME HOW TO PAINT MY 12ft ALUMINUM BOAT

[Boyeman]

Hello guys, I recently bought a 12 ft aluminum boat. The boat is in good condition even though is about 50 years old. The aluminum doesn't have a lot of rust and with a little bit of sanding it will look better. I want to paint the INSIDE of the aluminum boat. It doesn't have any old paint its just the aluminum. Ive been looking online for the right way to paint it and I think I have an idea but I haven't gotten a straight up answer on what primers to use.

My main goal is to paint the boat with a textured paint so that its not slippery.

I learned that before I paint it, I need to prepare the aluminum and wash it really well with Alumiprep? which is a self etching primer? After that I have to apply a regular metal or aluminum primer? then I can apply the regular paint? My main question is what do I have to do and what are some of the products I can use. If I type Aluminum Primer on google, or "Self etch" so many products show up, with different formulas and chemicals like "restolium", "Zinc Chromate" or "Total Etch"
and they all claim to be the right product so I dont really get it since this is the first boat I want to paint.

I have all the equipment I need like a spray painter, a sander and all the right tools. All I want is to do a good paint job and use the right materials so that the paint lasts.

This is what I want my boat to look like. 1962 Seaking 12 ft aluminum boat restoration & customization with 1973 Seaking 6 hp outboard - YouTube

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: TEACH ME HOW TO PAINT MY 12ft ALUMINUM BOAT

First welcome to iboats.

Since your boat is older then the oxidation has set in. 99% of the paint process to make it last is the PREP!! I have painted many aluminum boats and Zinc Chomate is a key. I have seen too many paint failures using other advertised self etching paints.

You are going to need to strip the aluminum to get to the bare surface (not oxidized) Her is a post that follows the same proceedures I have used http://forums.iboats.com/boat-restoration-building-hull-repair/steps-prep-aluminuim-pics-457159.html

Here are the aluminum ground rules

NEVER use pressure treated wood since the chemicals react badly.

Seal the hull using a creeping sealing epoxy such as gluvit.

Use a quality top coat paint (or you can use cheap enamel). Even single stage auto paint does great.

Most of all have fun.

 

[Boyeman]

Re: TEACH ME HOW TO PAINT MY 12ft ALUMINUM BOAT

First welcome to iboats.

Since your boat is older then the oxidation has set in. 99% of the paint process to make it last is the PREP!! I have painted many aluminum boats and Zinc Chomate is a key. I have seen too many paint failures using other advertised self etching paints.

You are going to need to strip the aluminum to get to the bare surface (not oxidized) Her is a post that follows the same proceedures I have used http://forums.iboats.com/boat-restoration-building-hull-repair/steps-prep-aluminuim-pics-457159.html

Here are the aluminum ground rules

NEVER use pressure treated wood since the chemicals react badly.

Seal the hull using a creeping sealing epoxy such as gluvit.

Use a quality top coat paint (or you can use cheap enamel). Even single stage auto paint does great.

Most of all have fun.

Thank you!

I have a few other questions. Should I sand the aluminum before I do any of this steps? Also, the GLUVIT is to stop the leaking right? Should I use it on the inside or the outside? and does it have to be applied after applying the alumiprep or before? After preparing the aluminum you recommend Zinc Chromate as the primer, how many coats? and After that I can finally paint it?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: TEACH ME HOW TO PAINT MY 12ft ALUMINUM BOAT

Yes Lightly sand to roughen the surface, gluvit inside on all seams and rivets (re-buck and tighten any loose rivets) a single light coat of ZC is all that is needed and paint can go on within hours of the ZC

Caution ZC is toxic!

 

[gm280]

Re: TEACH ME HOW TO PAINT MY 12ft ALUMINUM BOAT

I have to agree with Bob_VT on his assessment. And for the record, Zinc Chromate IS toxic but nearly any type paint you will use is also toxic too. So treat all paints and chemicals with caution and use the proper personal protection to include a good respirator. If you are going to finish your boat exactly like the video you posted, then most of the outside of your boat will not be painted but polished. DO some searching on these forums and you will see many aluminum polishing techniques to do that polishing. Do use the Gluvit paint/sealer like Bob suggested on the inside after you retighten all the rivets that are loose. Again you can research that type finish on these forums and use the techniques those boaters used, that being either spraying it on or rolling it on. And you will have a very nice looking and functional boat for years... Also welcome to iboats and post your progress pictures as you proceed with it. Folks like seening other folk's projects too...

 

[Boyeman]

Re: TEACH ME HOW TO PAINT MY 12ft ALUMINUM BOAT

Since GLUVIT is kind of expensive, can I use WEST MARINE Polyether Multi-Caulk Sealant instead of gluvit to seal all the seams and rivets? Or any other good products?

 

[Boyeman]

Re: TEACH ME HOW TO PAINT MY 12ft ALUMINUM BOAT

Yes Lightly sand to roughen the surface, gluvit inside on all seams and rivets (re-buck and tighten any loose rivets) a single light coat of ZC is all that is needed and paint can go on within hours of the ZC

Caution ZC is toxic!

Can you give me an IDEA of how much Im going to use? Since im only painting the Inside. I was thinking on getting 2 12 oz ZINc chromate sprays, but for the ALUMIPREP 33 and the ALODINE, i have no idea how much i need since you mix it with water ? and whats the right ratio of water and the chemicals? its a 12 ft boat and im just doing the inside.

Thanks again for the help

 

[submariner1980]

Re: TEACH ME HOW TO PAINT MY 12ft ALUMINUM BOAT

1. Alumiprep33 is chemical to remove aluminum oxidation,(phosphoric acid)
2. Alodine is chemical to create chrome or phosphates protective film over aluminum to protect and good bond with paint.
3. Regular primer or DTM paint
ZC primer is some sort of 1+2 + paint = ZC primer
and sanding required before primer application!
Why use ZC primer over already prepared surface?
OR step 1, 2, 3
Or hand sanding:mad-new:, ZC primer, primer(for best result), paint
Mixing proportions and how to use information DGR Industrial Products, Inc. :: Specialty Coatings :: Conversion Coatings :: Alodine Chromate Conversion For Aluminum Alloys :: Alumiprep 33 Aluminum Cleaner
You can save some bucks if use aluminum brightener ZEP A LUME instead Alumiprep and you can save a lattamany:joyous: if read thru Iboats restoration threads How TO's.