How To: Paint aluminum boat

[THans]

Just bought a 1955 16' jon boat today. Pretty tough shape but it supposedly floats. They painted it silver, over the original dark green. I plan on a diy camo job, but want to make sure I don't have to do it every year. There is bare aluminum in places (hard to see with the silver paint) so was wondering if I should strip it completely or if I could da sand it around the bare spots and leave the old paint that is sticking good?? What about prepping the aluminum for primer? Anybody done this sort of thing? Any leads on a 35hp tiller, gas tank, troller, life jackets, paddle, finder? Oh boy....

[whisker]

I wouldn't trust someone elses paint job. It may cost more in the long run if it peels under your paint. I refurbished this 1953 12 footer. It takes a bit of work, but taking it down to bare aluminum and then priming with a coat (or two) of aluminum primer inside and out, will save some possible headaches down the road. I stripped many coats off this old boat with sandpaper, electric sander, and wire wheel. Much more labor intensive, but I like the hands on approach.

[rippin-lips]

I had the same problem with a boat once. It had been painted several times and was peeling off. I stripped it down to bare aluminum. Man that was a lot of work. I used aircraft aluminum stripper and a pressure washer. The stripper would loosen the paint so you could spray it off. You have to spray it with the pressure washer before the stripper dries. Therefore you do one little area at a time. I made the mistake of brushing the stripper on the whole side of the boat. After the stripper dried it would not come off until I applied another coat. Finally after the boat was stripped I took a scotchbrite pad and scuffed the boat up and wiped it down with mineral spirits. The primer was a special aluminum primer. I believe it was called self etching. After primed throw on what ever kind of paint you want.

[THans]

Thanks for the info guys. I got on the phone today too and basically heard the same thing and found where I can buy the etching primer for $40 per half gallon. I also started sanding today.....Gonna be some work that's for sure. I found a wire wheel around the rivets works best and my little electric sander on the big flat areas. When it warms up a little I need to fill it with water to see if any leaks. I found a couple rivets had JB weld with a nickel pushed down on them. How hard is it to put new rivets in or tighten the old ones? Waste of time trying? I'm also replacing the transom board as it is rotted out. Just getting the old one out is turning into more work than planned! Thanks again for the replies.

[zaach6]

post some pics of any before and afters if you got em!

[Bennington Bandit]

Whisker, that boat turned out nice!

[chardtke]

hey guys, i have a 1993 blue fin spectrum 1509 aluminum bass boat. i have been wanting to paint it but am not skilled in the process. it has a gel coat and decals but the coat is coming off in places and needs to be redone. any one have any advice for a first timmer before i mess it all up? like...... what to do? thanks. c hardtke. tennessee