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Boat repair shop asks about painting an anodized mast

I have had various opinions to my question of whether it is possible to paint an anodized mast section and whether it will last and how to prepare the surface. Is it possible to paint an anodized mast section? If so what paint should be used and what is the correct method of prepping the surface?

Ashley Perrin
boat repair - San Francisco, California, USA
2003

Did you ever get an answer to your question about prepping and painting an anodized mast? I have a Pearson 323 that needs this done. Many thanks.

Nick Zakharoff
- Woonsocket, Rhode Island
2005

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Most anodized aluminum is very paintable, although Teflon impregnated anodizing could be an exception. In fact, certain types of anodizing are used on aluminum honeycomb wing structures to prepare them for adhesive bonding because the adhesion is so good. Good cleaning should be all you need, although priming is almost never a bad idea. Just don't use "bottom paint" on any portion, ever. "Bottom paint" contains copper, and will cause aluminum to galvanically corrode.

The above is opinion based on general experience; I've never actually painted a mast, so if anyone has, please chime in.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July , 2006

My boat WAS a salt water boat. Now it is strictly used in fresh water. My problem is that the widow frames are pitted quite bad and are in need of refinishing. Some of the pitting is down to bare aluminum. The frames are black anodized (I assume)aluminum and I would like to paint them black if possible. The painting will need to be done by brush or foam pad brush. I am looking for advice on how to go about doing this repair, what I should use for a primer and top coat, what I should do to protect the fiberglass when using the primer. Thanks for any advice that you can provide.

Bob Voorhees
Poor boat owner - Wellsville, New York
May 8, 2008