O/T paint question

[Bugman]

Do you need any special type of paint for boats? What about a special primer for aluminum? We have an aluminum johnboat in the shop that we're going to paint for another teacher. Will regular car paint, of farm&fleet tractor enamal work and hold up well? Thanks.

-Jeff

[dixiedog]

I dont know about the latest technology but for aluminum signs we used to use zinc chromate (green) primer and then top coat with a single stage paint. I believe an aluminum prep and then epoxy primer then paint will work also.

Or, just do like everybody around here and use house paint so when it peels you have something to chew on while fishin http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[DrJ]

With a yacht/marine supply per "lake" that's 1000 marine hardware stores in your state with the "right" kind of paint... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
They've got some $eriou$ etching and catalyzed paint$ for boat$

[gears-n-grease]

The way we do it is we etch the metal with a lye (red devil) and warm water mixture. Then rinse and allow to dry. (aluminum is porus so allow enough dry time) then shoot it with sherwin williams (2 part) wash primer (it sprays real thin- almost translucent)and then shoot it with Polane T paint from Sherwin Williams (this stuff is MEGA dangerous- it requires a fresh air mask- not a filter type mask)