The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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ALUMINIUM BOAT REFINISHING

I AM PAINTING NEW ALUMINIUM BOATS FROM 8 TO 14 meters AND ARE LOOKING FOR SUITABLE PAINT AND PROTECTION SYSTEMS. HAVE USED SEVERAL SYSTEMS STILL LOOKING FOR THAT SYSTEM THAT WILL PROVIDE FAST TURNAROUND OF WORK WITH REQUIRED PROTECTION. IS THERE A SEALANT SYSTEM TO PROTECT BILGES AND ENGINES FROM CORROSION.

STEVE BEAUMONT
- NEW ZEALAND

We use a product that advertises that it is used on aluminium boats. We use it on Stainless steel to stop any corrosion and have had no problems with it. The product is called Nycote [adv: Nycote on eBay].

Steven Scarpin
- Melborne, Victoria, Australia

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Sir, in response to your question with regards to suitable paint finishes for your aluminium craft;might I mention that I worked in the boatbuilding industry for many years. Although I could never claim to be an expert on the chemical makeup, of of the products I used in painting the boats I constructed, there were never any major problems. The paint was maufactured by Dulux,and it was called "strontium zinc primer" The trick with painting aluminium was to have as clean as possible a surface to begin with. For this I used a mild acid wash,(minimise oxidization), which of course would be rinsed off with water. priming would follow as soon as practicable afterwards. The st/chromate is an acid etch primer and it comes in a two pack kit.Whether or not it is supplied in your country under the same name or by the same manufacturer I do not know.Another thing, which you are probably aware of, is that you must take co! gnizance of temperature and humidity which can dramatically affect the ability of your paint to adhere. Once you have applied the primer you can pretty well paint anything you like on top. This may or may not assist you in your search for the perfect paint, but I wish you luck Dougie.

dougie dorrian
- aukland new zealand