MNHunter505 said:
gumbo860 said:
If the current paint is in good shape then you can put a good scuff on it and paint over it. If its peeling or flaking at all I would get it down as far a possible and prime before paint.
Just wanted some input on if I will need to sand this boat down to the metal or if I can touch up the bare aluminum spots with primer and then put a couple coats of paint on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated....
The need to get down to bare metal can only be determined by the owner when closely examining his own paint. If need be, get a local "expert" to look at it closely. Generally speaking, if the paint is peeling/flaking off and badly faded and crumbly, it
won't make a good base for new paint.
The above said, if you need to remove paint, sanding is a lot of work and is not your only alternative. Search through the builds here (including my own) and you'll find various strippers very effective with removing old paint from aluminum. Once the old paint is stripped and washed away (I suggest using a pressure washer.), then you can apply an acid etch, then use a palm sander with a coarse paper to prep the area to be painted. Finally, use an etching primer (many have been used on here with success, I use Rustoleum, both the spray can etching and the latex roll on and both have shown good success if I didn't over apply and gave the primer time to dry fully.
Once that's done, you can apply your top coat paint. Pick a paint that you like. Personally, I was advised by an old boat supply salesman that Rustoleum brand professional sold by the gallon at Home Depot for $28.00 or so is an excellent paint. My experience so far has confirmed that.
You will have to look to find a paint color that makes you happy, depending on your location. Be advised you can make your boat much cooler temperature wise using tans and lighter colors rather than darker greys or darker greens. On my boat, I used a dark forest green for areas that I won't be touching much and used tan in areas I will touch a great deal. So think carefully not only on what color you like, but will your bare skin be touching that painted area when the summer sun is high in the sky. This will help you choose light grey, blue or tan for areas you might touch and save the darker colors for areas you are less likely to touch. Also consider how and what kinda dirt might get where as well.