I would use Pettit products. Self etching metal primer and then Easypoxy.

 

So many guys are doing the "wrap" now. Unsure on price comparison. Seems like paint on alum. is alot of prep for mixed results.

 

I've looked into it and it just doesn't make sense financially even if I do it myself. I am just looking for a semi-gloss black, no pattern or anything.

 

I use zinc chromate for a primer on any bare metal and have not had a problem. On bare aluminum I will acid wash first. You could then use any topside paint, even Home Depot sells topside marine paint but in limited colors. I have not tried that yet. I tend to use an automotive enamel if I can, good shine and durability but like most paints costs more than it should, plus it sprays nicely.

 

As Jedcraft said, I would definitely consider the vinyl wrap route.. Call Brad at coho Designs in Clackamas..

 

I had great success with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint. No primer needed.

 

Thanks. I've seen their product but reviews are mixed. Then again it seems like a lot of the bad reviews on Amazon are people using what is apparently a topside paint for below water applications.

 

I am planning on painting my boat in the next two years. I am going to either use Alexseal topboat or Totalboat topcoat after using their primer. It has been recommended to me (and I plan to use it) to use the Alexseal roll additive. Its supposed to make rolling and tipping easier.

I have painted an aluminum boat previously (one primer coat and one top coat) using the roll and tip method and it came out really good. When I do it next ill sand after primer and do two top coats after light sanding the first top coat. The boats that I have seen do this ended up with great looking paint even after a few years. I have a recommendation for a guy who does walnut media blasting if you would like one.

 

I am planning on painting my boat in the next two years. I am going to either use Alexseal topboat or Totalboat topcoat after using their primer. It has been recommended to me (and I plan to use it) to use the Alexseal roll additive. Its supposed to make rolling and tipping easier.

I have painted an aluminum boat previously (one primer coat and one top coat) using the roll and tip method and it came out really good. When I do it next ill sand after primer and do two top coats after light sanding the first top coat. The boats that I have seen do this ended up with great looking paint even after a few years. I have a recommendation for a guy who does walnut media blasting if you would like one.

Did you spray a clear coat over your paint job John?

 

Strip it down for the bare aluminum look and never have to worry about scratches again. Or wrap.

 

Well spent the day doing the strip down part. Not sure I like the all aluminum look. Still leaning towards gloss black.

Citristrip did pretty well though I learned some lessons. Would have been way easier to power wash the paint gunk off immediately but I didn't want it in my lawn so I used a plastic utility blade first. Took a couple coats. Still needs an ecetone wipe down to take the remaining residue off. Scraping the vinyl decals off was actually the hardest part.

 

Also, previous owner apparently wanted the trailer lights moved up, but this is one of the uglier welds I have seen.

 

I've been letting my 9-year-old grandson try his hand at welding and while his welds are not pretty i think they look better than that. they didn't grind the galvanization off the metal be for trying to weld it

 

Just my opinion, but seems like a lot of work for little reward. What was wrong with the paint on it? You'll scratch it the first time out

 

It's not as obvious from the photos, but the paint was beat. Having removed the factory vinyl decal lines there were bubbles from corrosion. I'm not oblivious to the fact that I'm putting lipstick on a pig, but I've always enjoyed making the most of what I have.

Also, having projects is good for me. Keeping my mind occupied keeps it off of my worries. Fishing is good, but fishing also means a lot of idle time.

 

Looks like a great little aluminum skiff without paint.

 

Carquest carries a line of paint that I have had decent success with. Comes in three or four colors, just add the hardener and shoot it. I've had a gallon of the black for quite a while. Painted trailers, boats, couple of canopies. Seems to be pretty durable and easy to spray. You may be able to get just a quart. Looks like a fun project!

 

Might be too late But I walnut shelled mine many years ago 20???? walnut shells made a mess. But had a nice finish, but you've done great.
I went to my local auto paint supplier and they just recommend a two part epoxy base, Then I put on 2K primer then 2 part urethane top coat. PPG Deltron. It has held up really well as. far as sticking. Only issues were around any holes or protrusions. Make sure you coat the hole and the backside.

it has faded but has spent a lot of time in the sun. I could cut and buff and it would look great. Of course there are chips and scratches. Im going to repaint this summer and will just use same process except Ill base/clear. Boat will be living inside from now on so it will last way longer than me.
Ive had a pretty good luck with Omni products. The Deltron has become pretty expensive. .

 

As soulakala said, you should use a zinc chromate before painting. I did a lot of research on this topic and decided to use a chromate prep then wrap. This way I have a good chemical layer of protection under the wrap.

 

You can find lots of airplanes on YouTube that were treated with zinc chromate and have corrosion issues.

Is it better? Probably. But in my experience is it's not a requirement for a good finish. Prep work and sealing the holes and edges .

I would definitely put some chemical sealer under a wrap.

Good luck, its a sweet little boat!!!!

 

When I had my boat repainted some years ago, they clear coated the zolotone on the gunnels and windshield area. Paint looks good, zolotone good, clear coat mostly coming off. I think with the amount of sun and weather we subject our boats too, clear coat May not be best.

 

Started messing with a da polisher and some meguiars compound for whatever reason. So much crap comes off that the pads are gunked up immediately.

 

When is the last time you broke those lug nuts loose on your trailer and checked the bearing grease? Looking a bit orange down there...

That's amazing the difference that polishing made on the hull....