Hammerite on aluminum?

[stevo]

I just purchased an '87 Willie's drifter, can't wait to row it. The original paint, pink, is peeling badly. I want to strip it down and re-paint it, but what I have read on-line about Al paints is pretty intimidating, except for Hammerite. The boat will have no electronics or motor (besides me) and will only be used in fresh water.

I would love to have Brad wrap it, but that is not in the budget right now.
Anyone have any experience painting an Al boat with hammerite?
Thanks

[KChookem]

Originally Posted by stevo

I just purchased an '87 Willie's drifter, can't wait to row it. The original paint, pink, is peeling badly. I want to strip it down and re-paint it, but what I have read on-line about Al paints is pretty intimidating, except for Hammerite. The boat will have no electronics or motor (besides me) and will only be used in fresh water.

I would love to have Brad wrap it, but that is not in the budget right now.
Anyone have any experience painting an Al boat with hammerite?
Thanks

Have you called Willie Boats? - they have fantastic customer service, and no doubt can give you some advice.

In my expereience, Hammerite is not the easiest product to use if you want a smooth finish that looks nice. I like Hammerite, and use it when I want a tough, durable, protection.

If you want to try Hammerite, I suggest you buy a small can and practice on something.

The down side of Hammerite is it is thick to begin with, its viscosity changes dramatically with the air temperature (thick & stiff when cool, to almost runny on a hot day), the fumes are nasty, its hard to keep a wet edge on even a small project, it is really messy to go back over an area to smooth it out, or fill in a missed spot. These are not huge obstacles on a trailer frame, but the smooth flat side of a Willie Boat is a bit different.