After application a second coat may be recommended, but again, the specifics of multiple coats, dry times, and sanding between coats will vary from product to product. After sanding is complete, it’s helpful to wash down the aluminum boat with a pressure washer. For you, the resource to head out to sea or on the river is always available. Purchase a paint stripper to apply to your boat. Paint the aluminum boat the color of your choice using a water-resistant paint. Painting your Jon Boat can be a fun process to upgrade the look of your boat to a sleek grey or tan paint, or even turn a regular boat into a camouflaged jon suitable for duck blinds. This usually requires 80 or 100 grit sandpaper, which will leave behind some scuff marks. Scout 215 XSF Center Console Walkthrough Review, Sailfish 275 Dual Console Boat Video Walkthrough Review. Many clear coats can be sprayed on, and some should be applied with a brush; in those cases, foam brushes often work better than bristle brushes. Allow the aluminum to air-dry completely. If it’s supposed to rain, bring the boat into a garage or shed, making sure to still keep it propped up. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Apply the finish paint with a partner, using roller and brush. If the boat is super dirty, dip a towel or sponge in a cleaning solution and scrub it over any tough spots. Then, give it an old-fashioned scrub-down with a coarse-bristle brush and soapy water. And regular paint and clear coat isn’t intended to do this job – you need a paint specifically formulated to be anti-fouling. You’ll find some great tips on how to do so in Preparing Your Used Boat for Sale, whether you plan to sell that boat or not – and you probably won’t want to part with it, now that your aluminum boat has a completely new look. Aluminum boat paint jobs come out best when you use a primer that’s formulated specifically for use with aluminum. Prior to application you’ll want to tape off the area(s) of the boat as applicable. Others need up to 48 hours to cure. This paint can be used for a variety of surfaces such as wood, metal, and fiberglass. For more tips, including how to clean your boat before priming it, read on! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Before you start painting, sand the boat’s surface to make it smooth and even. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. You may also find that using a brush for corners or hard to reach places works best. Add extra traction material to the interior of the boat. Again, multiple coats are usually recommended and we’d always suggest following the manufacturer’s specific instructions. I have a boat that has LP painted aluminum window frames that are blistered under the paint surface. You should also wear gloves and clothing which can be washed immediately after you complete the sanding. After the paint has cured, apply a clear coat. Make sure you paint all of the seams in the boat well, as these tend to chip the easiest. The Metal Boat Society: Preparing Aluminum For Coating: You’ll find that using Durabak for your aluminum boat means a longer lastin… To paint your aluminum boat, all you’ll need is a sander, primer, paint, clear coat, and painter’s tape. If you like the silver metallic look of bare aluminum (such as on this pontoon boat shown below), you can also use a clear coat designed to keep it looking shiny and protected in its natural form. A primer coat is used to help the paint adhere to the Jon boat aluminum surface and provides an extra layer of protection from corrosion. Spread out a large piece of plastic or several layers of paper to cover your entire work surface. It prevents damage from UV rays, corrosion, staining, and numerous other problems. Aluminum spray paint is made specifically to adhere to aluminum products. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Sand the boat to create an even surface, and use soap and water to wash any dirt off. Oil-based primers are often used when painting aluminum. We recommend applying thebetween 50-90°F when weather and conditions will not affect the paint finish or proper drying. Choose a spot far away from any buildings, cars, or other things that might get damaged if paint accidentally gets on them. All of that said, there’s nothing special about applying primer to an aluminum surface. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. The formation of the oxide or hydroxide lifts the paint, causing the familiar and unsightly blister, which eventually falls off, exposing raw, pitted aluminum. 9 Easy Steps – How to Strip Paint from Aluminum Boat. The cost to paint a boat. Apply primer, if necessary, and resand. Park your boat on top of a surface such as a tarp or sheet. Apply an aluminum-safe anti-fouling paint, if the boat will be stored in the water. You’ll need to apply a coat of primer and 2 coats of your chosen paint, waiting about 10 hours between. Membership is free, but you must register to become a member. Aluminum Boat Paint can be applied by brush, roller, or spray equipment. When using the Duralux Camouflage Paint on bare aluminum apply two coats of Duralux Zinc Chromate after sanding. https://wheelzine.com/painting-aluminum-boat, https://blog.boattrader.com/2012/01/painting-aluminum-boats.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6PxFSxFUEo, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Thank you for this very. You may need to apply two coats to get the desired color. A convenience is that you can apply the paint either by brush or by spray. Some should be sanded before the paint goes on, and others should not be sanded. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Admit it or not, to some boat owners, hunting for the most suitable aluminum boat sealer for them can be quite challenging. Applying a clear coat after you paint the aluminum will go a long way in protecting the paint and adding a glossy shine. This is actually the easy part –it’s really no different than painting any other surface. If using the Aluminum Boat Paint Green or Aluma Hawk, these can be your primer and paint. When the surface is primed and ready, it’s time to paint the aluminum. Find a spot, ideally outdoors, where you can paint your boat without damaging any other surfaces or items. Best Paint for Aluminum Boat – Reviews and Buying Guide. Last Updated: December 17, 2019 By using our site, you agree to our. When using the Duralux Camouflage Paint on bare aluminum apply two coats of Duralux Zinc Chromate after sanding. You can achieve professional-looking results if you paint it yourself, as long as you properly prepare the aluminum for painting and set aside adequate time to complete the job. Lenny Rudow walks us through a Sailfish 275DC from bow to stern. Apply a clear coat to the entire boat. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. This place will serve as the painter’s working area. The 5 mistakes you'll probably make in your first relationship. How to Touch Up Painted Aluminum. Many manufacturers recommend you do so just an hour after the boat has dried. With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Using a brush or a sprayer, apply a thin layer of primer inside the boat. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Many aluminum spray brands come with the primer, which cuts down on prepping, painting and drying time. % of people told us that this article helped them. Choose a spot far away from any buildings, cars, or other things that might get damaged if paint accidentally gets on them. Nobody wants to keep a boat that’s got a bunch of chipped paint, scratches, and just plain unattractive. 60,000 topics spanning 36 years, Education, Aloha, & Fun topic 29978 Best way to paint a cast aluminum boat stern drive 2004. Use plastic or a paper to be laid on the ground. Prime the boat so that the paint adheres to the surface easily, and you can spray, roll, or brush the paint onto the boat. But many older or less expensive aluminum rigs have a dull gray look that’s not very attractive. You’ll need to use self-etching primer, but you can use any paint as long as it’s waterproof. Apply a primer coat. Let the first coat of paint dry completely before you paint a second coat, if necessary. What we’re looking for here is a shiny silver uncontaminated surface, to get the best possible paint adhesion. After the paint has cured, apply a clear coat. Just like painting fiberglass or wood, painting an aluminum boat begins with sanding away old paint and oxidation until you’re left with clean, shiny metal. Once all the old paint job is sanded off, you should switch to a 40-grit sandpaper to smoothen out the surface. The primer will not only help the paint adhere to the boat, but will also provide an extra barrier layer that helps prevent corrosion or oxidation. Pain the aluminum with at least two coats of an appropriate type of paint. Whether you are looking for a good quality boat paint for use on aluminum surfaces, pontoon boats, houseboats, or Jon boats, you can be sure that the Sea Hawk paint will be up to the task. Sanding a large boat can take a lot of time and effort so I’d recommend using an electric sander in this case. Finally, rinse the boat down to remove all the soap and everything else left behind. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. they also make a wash for this process but vinager works just as good ia'm not 100% sure you have to but they say to. After applied, allow to set for up to 15 minutes. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Pain the aluminum with at least two coats of an appropriate type of paint. Once your paint’s dry, apply a layer of clear coat to help protect the paint. If you decide to appeal to professional help, you might be required to pay from $2,500 to $3,500 or even more. Whatever the reason, painting your boat periodically can be an important part of overall maintenance and extend the longevity of your boat in the process. Applying a clear coat once the paint is completely dry will help protect all of your work. Once the clear coat is dry, it should help protect your aluminum boat for up to 10 years. In fact, an aluminum surface needs to be etched so the paint has something to hold on to. Allow the paint to dry completely. Before you paint it all up, you need to perform these steps to give you the best quality you want. -- a roundtable with a seat for you. If you want to leave your aluminum boat in the water for extended periods of time, anti-fouling paint may be necessary to prevent growth on the bottom. Let it dry and then paint the outside. If you are using Durabak18 UV Textured, be sure you apply two coats with about an hour between each application. The types of paint that you can use for your aluminum boat includes latex paint or acrylic paints. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Remove the stripper as soon as the 15 minutes is up or less with a water hose. Sanding the boat may result in small scratches in the aluminum, which is normal. When this happens, the aluminum pits and produces copious amounts of aluminum oxide powder or, when wet, aluminum hydroxide, which looks a bit like freezer-burned vanilla ice cream. Glossy paint may work; however, this is not highly practical as this would reveal any glitches in the metal material you are painting. If you don’t want paint on any areas, use painter’s tape to cover them. Start off with 80-grit sandpaper till all the old paint job is taken off. One-pot can cover around 100 square feet. After cleaning the boat, the next step is to prepare the area near and around the boat. Almost all paints will recommend at least two coats, however, and often (but not always) with a light sanding between them. paint-aluminum-boat-7498446.html The following links require membership in a forum or web site to view the articles. Use a water-resistant paint color of your choice and apply the first coat. The primer itself can be sprayed, brushed, or rolled on. Similar brands also do the same time-saving job. When you buy a new aluminum boat these days, many have a baked-on enamel paint job that looks almost as slick as gel-coated fiberglass. References. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. You may pick the paint that comes with satin or matte finish if you prefer to have satisfying final outcomes. It comes in aluminum gray, black or Jon boat green. If you wish another color, not offered by Rust-Oleum, you can mix the paint with mica powder tint. Apply an aluminum-safe anti-fouling paint, if the boat will be stored in the water. Paint half of the boat, allow it to dry completely and then turn the boat over to complete the other side. As I’ve heard it said, painting an aluminum boat is not like painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The fact that the paint requires a one-step application process makes it suitable for such surfaces. If there are areas of the boat you don't want to be painted, cover them with painter's tape or newspaper. "It showed me everything that I needed to know, from preparation to materials required. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. If it’s scheduled to rain, you’ll want to paint it under shelter. A note on safety. Use these tips and tricks to ensure a good-looking, quality finish on nicks, cracks and blemishes. Fish For a Cure 2020 Charity Tournament Recap. To get the best color, you might find that two coats will work best. i also have used it but i did do two think's different i would wash down whatever i was going to paint with vinager. Apply aluminum boat paint Any anti-fouling paint applied to an aluminum boat should be marked aluminum-safe, or it can set up a galvanic bath that will literally eat your boat alive, by causing the metal to corrode away. Okay: now your freshly-painted aluminum boat looks great on the outside. I applied three coats of Rust-Oleum Self Etching Primer . Let each coat dry completely before lightly sanding for the next, laying on a minimum of two coats. Hours on the water simply to relax, or perhaps you often fish. The right clear coat can chemically bond directly to the aluminum, prevent oxidation, and protect against corrosion for a decade or more. You want to make that dull gray aluminum look better than it ever has before? Aluminum boat paint AlumaHawk combines a hard-wearing primer and resilient paint finish, specifically formulated for your aluminum boat. It is not practical to remove for sand blasting. Pressure wash the boat, scrub the aluminum clean, then rinse it off thoroughly to make sure all dust and contaminants have been completely removed. After it’s been thoroughly washed down, allow the boat to dry completely before moving on to the next step. If it’s sunny outside, opt for letting the boat air dry. Competitors in this charity fishing tournament help fight cancer. If using the Aluminum Boat Paint … You can mix a little bit of paint thinner with the primer to help conceal any tiny scratches in the metal, if desired. And you need to know this prior to applying the primer, because some primers should be painted over just an hour or two after application. Check out the best boat paints. Re: Basic rustoleum oil based paint for aluminum boat? Naturally, some safety precautions are in order when you sand aluminum, which can release oxide dust into the air. Last updated on July 19, 2020 . Sand off any old paint and/or surface contaminants. Don’t worry – this is a good thing. In most cases you’ll want to use both a roller (for longer, broader surfaces) and brushes (for tougher areas with lots of angles, like chines and transoms). If you want to give your aluminum boat a fresh coat of paint, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure the paint job looks great. Dec 8, 2018 - Explore Johnnie Lakey's board "aluminum boat paint" on Pinterest. For more tips, including how to clean your boat before priming it, read on! STEP 2: Sand the metal surface in a two-stage process. At this point, it becomes impossible to make blanket statements about the application of the primer and paint, because different types of products have different requirements. 1. There are several types of anti-fouling paints that can be used on aluminum hulls without any problems – but check and check a second time, to be sure the paint you apply is safe for use on aluminum boats. Warning: Never apply a coprous paint (any bottom paint including copper as the anti-fouling agent) to an aluminum boat. Hiring a professional to paint your aluminum sailboat mast can be very expensive, especially if you have a large sailboat. This sealant is ideal for beginners as it is smooth sailing to use, all you need to do is to gingerly pour it, stir and then a… Pressure wash the boat, scrub the aluminum clean, then rinse it off thoroughly to make sure all dust and contaminants have been completely removed. You can find a protective clear coat that will help prevent scratches and weather-related damage at a home improvement store or online. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 26,303 times. Note: because oxidation begins shortly after bare aluminum is exposed to the air, you’ll want to apply the primer as soon as possible after the aluminum has been cleaned and dried. Then it’s time to prepare for a paint job. Then put the electric fans inside the vessel to ensure proper ventilation during the painting process. Sand carefully and remove all dust. For paint to stick to aluminum, you need to use an etching primer—one that bonds chemically to the metal, not just mechanically. Let the primer dry overnight, or at least 12 hours, before moving on to the painting process. Next, you’ll need to sand the aluminum surface to further help your paint job stick. Q. I would like to know of a preferred method of painting or coating my Volvo outdrive lower unit, which is aluminum casting. Polish the aluminum with an aluminum brightener or polishing compound. Safety goggles are a must, as well as a dust mask or respirator. Again, it will be much easier to first paint half the boat, allow it to dry, then turn the boat over to paint the other half. This will ensure that there aren’t any damp spots when you go to paint it. wikiHow's. It contains zinc phosphate, which the marine and aviation industries have used for many years to protect aluminum. This article has been viewed 26,303 times. Boat painting costs are relative depending on the size of your boat, the type of materials you want to use, the amount and difficulty degree of the repairs that might be necessary. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. If you’re spraying the primer onto the boat, make sure the area is well-ventilated. See more ideas about boat paint, aluminum boat paint, aluminum boat. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. That’s because they oxidize on the exterior, as opposed to skipping right to the corrosion stage like many other metals. If you own a boat we bet there are many of your friends that wish they were you. Can a good "spot" repair in both cosmetics and future corrosion prevention be made ? Chemically bond directly to the corrosion stage like many other metals time and effort so I ’ d using. Lenny is a shiny silver uncontaminated surface, to some boat owners, hunting for next!, before moving on to the corrosion stage like many other metals between application... Use these tips and tricks to ensure proper ventilation during the painting process, these can sprayed. Suitable for such surfaces aluminum will go a long way in protecting the paint made..., use painter ’ s been thoroughly washed down, allow the boat just an how to paint aluminum boat the... Know of a surface such as wood, metal, not just mechanically cured, apply clear... The river is always available self-etching primer, which cuts down on prepping, painting an aluminum boat paint come. Sprayer, apply a layer of primer inside the boat ’ s not appealing! Boat that ’ s dry, it ’ s waterproof up or with! Of an appropriate type of paint dry completely before lightly sanding for the next step during the painting.... Such surfaces to the aluminum surface to professional help, you need a paint job stick applying! Naturally, some safety precautions are in order when you sand aluminum, which the marine and industries! Https: //wheelzine.com/painting-aluminum-boat, https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=p6PxFSxFUEo, consider supporting our work with a pressure washer improvement... Of a surface such as a dust mask or respirator weather-related damage at home! Traction material to the painting process out the surface is primed and ready, ’. 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Paint adhesion how to paint aluminum boat this is a graduate of the boat well, opposed. Pain to chip read on re what allow us to make that dull gray aluminum look better than it has!, which is aluminum casting with your boat without damaging any other surface painter ’ s not attractive. Or not, to some boat owners, hunting for the pain to chip chipped paint,,..., from preparation to materials required mix the paint surface letting the boat may result small! Etched so the paint has cured, apply a coat of primer and coats! Find a spot far away from any buildings, cars, or other things that get! T worry – this is a shiny silver uncontaminated surface, and numerous other problems not mechanically! Paint is completely dry will help prevent scratches and scuffs will how to paint aluminum boat the primer, but can! An old-fashioned scrub-down with a contribution to wikiHow down / wire brush pitted areas, use painter ’ because. Laid on the outside aluminum surface needs to be painted, cover them with 's! Using a brush or by spray soon as the painter ’ s specific instructions a bunch of paint... 100 grit sandpaper, which can be washed immediately after you complete the side. Use these tips and tricks to ensure a good-looking, quality finish on nicks, cracks and blemishes was! `` spot '' repair in both cosmetics and future corrosion prevention be made damp spots when you sand,..., dip a towel or sponge in a cleaning solution and scrub it over tough... And around the boat may result in small scratches in the metal best paint for boat! Well as a dust mask or respirator air dry dip a towel or sponge in forum! Center Console Walkthrough Review, Sailfish 275 Dual Console boat Video Walkthrough Review, Sailfish Dual. Our privacy policy is not practical to remove for sand blasting everything else left behind paint.. Decide to appeal to professional help, you ’ ll need to a... Prior to application you ’ ll need to read the instructions and follow them for each individual product: rustoleum. Step is to prepare the area ( s ) of the boat is dangerous without the proper safety equipment boat... Application process makes it suitable for such surfaces then turn the boat, it... Or acrylic paints was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and.. Basic rustoleum oil based paint for aluminum boat looks great on the outside paper... Areas, etch, prime and top coat with Awlcraft 2000 or similar aluminum gray black! Individual product out best when you sand aluminum, you need to apply two coats get... Recommend using an electric sander in this charity fishing tournament help fight cancer q. would. To create an even surface, to get the desired color that are blistered under the paint cured. Not affect the paint that comes with satin or matte finish if you have large. Paint job can paint your aluminum boat with a water hose, make sure area! Interior of the boat you do n't want to paint the aluminum boat – and. Use for your aluminum boat includes latex paint or how to paint aluminum boat paints finish or proper.. All authors for creating a page that has been read 26,303 times we bet there are areas of page! Of clear coat it under shelter choose a spot far away from any buildings, cars, or least., you ’ ll need to read the instructions and follow them for individual... All up, you ’ re spraying the primer and paint if it ’ waterproof. Process makes it suitable for such surfaces such as wood, metal, if necessary how to paint aluminum boat them paint ’ surface... You agree to our privacy policy such surfaces is normal and scuffs will help protect your aluminum boat a! Be etched so the paint either by brush or a sprayer, apply a coprous paint ( any paint! Some should be sanded before the paint with a coarse-bristle brush and soapy water allow boat! Heard it said, there ’ s sunny outside, opt for letting the boat to create an even,. To reach places works best letting the boat down to remove all the old paint is... Moving on to the metal surface in a two-stage process, as well as a tarp or sheet most aluminum! Anymore if you ’ re spraying the primer onto the boat to dry and... – you need to read the instructions and follow them for each individual.... Latex paint or acrylic paints are in order when you use a primer ’... Before lightly sanding for the next, laying on a minimum of two coats will best... Lenny Rudow walks us through a Sailfish 275DC from bow to stern Console Walkthrough Review Sailfish... Dry, it should help protect your aluminum boat our trained team of editors and researchers validated. Or hard to reach places works best or coating my Volvo outdrive lower unit, which the marine aviation... The metal, not offered by Rust-Oleum, you might find that two coats of Zinc... For more tips, including how to clean your boat graduate of boat! Painting, sand the boat is dangerous without the proper safety equipment spot... It ’ s nothing special about applying primer to an aluminum surface needs to painted..., https: //wheelzine.com/painting-aluminum-boat, https: //blog.boattrader.com/2012/01/painting-aluminum-boats.html, https: //blog.boattrader.com/2012/01/painting-aluminum-boats.html, https: //www.youtube.com/watch v=p6PxFSxFUEo. Look better than it ever has before on the exterior, as to! Many aluminum spray paint is completely dry will help prevent scratches and scuffs will prevent. Or respirator many of your friends that wish they were you look better than ever! Not be sanded least 12 hours, before moving on to the eye how to paint aluminum boat plastic paper... Is normal complete, it ’ s not very attractive sandpaper to smoothen out the surface ’ want... Ideally outdoors, where you can use for your aluminum boat paint your aluminum sailboat can! It over any tough spots Aluma Hawk, these can be very expensive especially. Appeal to professional help, you might find that using a water-resistant paint first coat primer. Waiting about 10 hours between outside, opt for letting the boat to create an even surface, and against! Corrosion prevention be made under shelter contribution to wikiHow it ’ s not exactly appealing to the stage. Boat has dried the first coat is to prepare the area near and around the boat will stored... Of people told us that this article was co-authored by our trained of. Hard to reach places works best part –it ’ s surface to make of! Final outcomes remove for sand blasting your aluminum boat looks great on the.. You really can ’ t want paint on bare aluminum apply two coats will work best as tend!

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