how to paint aluminum boat

Pressure wash the boat, scrub the aluminum clean, then rinse it off thoroughly to make sure all dust and contaminants have been completely removed. As I’ve heard it said, painting an aluminum boat is not like painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Spread out a large piece of plastic or several layers of paper to cover your entire work surface. Applying a clear coat after you paint the aluminum will go a long way in protecting the paint and adding a glossy shine. If you don’t want paint on any areas, use painter’s tape to cover them. Apply a clear coat to the entire boat. Applying a clear coat once the paint is completely dry will help protect all of your work. Apply an aluminum-safe anti-fouling paint, if the boat will be stored in the water. Let it dry and then paint the outside. If the interior and other pieces-parts now look shabby in comparison, learn how to give things like vinyl, rubber, and plastic a face-lift, too. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. 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. Once the clear coat is dry, it should help protect your aluminum boat for up to 10 years. Lay plastic or paper over your workspace to prevent paint stains. Not a lecture hall ! Safety goggles are a must, as well as a dust mask or respirator. With your boat’s surface constantly wet, it is inevitable for the pain to chip. Apply aluminum boat paint Once all the old paint job is sanded off, you should switch to a 40-grit sandpaper to smoothen out the surface. If you are using Durabak18 UV Textured, be sure you apply two coats with about an hour between each application. Then, give it an old-fashioned scrub-down with a coarse-bristle brush and soapy water. Nobody wants to keep a boat that’s got a bunch of chipped paint, scratches, and just plain unattractive. Sanding the boat may result in small scratches in the aluminum, which is normal. Use a water-resistant paint color of your choice and apply the first coat. This article has been viewed 26,303 times. References. If you wish another color, not offered by Rust-Oleum, you can mix the paint with mica powder tint. After the paint has cured, apply a clear coat. The types of paint that you can use for your aluminum boat includes latex paint or acrylic paints. Dec 8, 2018 - Explore Johnnie Lakey's board "aluminum boat paint" on Pinterest. Polish the aluminum with an aluminum brightener or polishing compound. Before you start painting, sand the boat’s surface to make it smooth and even. For more tips, including how to clean your boat before priming it, read on! But many older or less expensive aluminum rigs have a dull gray look that’s not very attractive. 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. Next, you’ll need to sand the aluminum surface to further help your paint job stick. This will ensure that there aren’t any damp spots when you go to paint it. Pain the aluminum with at least two coats of an appropriate type of paint. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. You can find a protective clear coat that will help prevent scratches and weather-related damage at a home improvement store or online. The primer itself can be sprayed, brushed, or rolled on. Choose a spot far away from any buildings, cars, or other things that might get damaged if paint accidentally gets on them. 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. Find a spot, ideally outdoors, where you can paint your boat without damaging any other surfaces or items. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Allow the aluminum to air-dry completely. Let the first coat of paint dry completely before you paint a second coat, if necessary. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Paint-an-Aluminum-Boat-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-an-Aluminum-Boat-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Paint-an-Aluminum-Boat-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid10250835-v4-728px-Paint-an-Aluminum-Boat-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"