Thanks, I just sanded the old paint as much as practical (only in some spots was it taken to bare aluminum) then primed and top coated using the roll and tip method. It looks OK from about 10', then you can see the high/low spots...certainly would look better if taken to bare all over, but not worth the extra time in my opinion.
I think I am probably going to paint rather than try to anodize after all. I sanded all the old paint off and there are a number of blemishes here and there that would probably be better painted, plus the anodizing seems challenging given the length. Now I have to decide what paint to use. I think you said that you used Rustoleum marine primer and top coat. Is that the Marine white metal primer (207016):
and marine topside paint (207001):
ClouDiver said he used self-etching primer (2449322?)which seems to be an automotive product and only available in aerosol:
Interlux Perfection, which is what I was previously considering, is way more complicated containing many more steps and something I'd like to avoid if possibe. I did it to repaint and Edson binnacle and it took a while.
I'd appreciate your thoughts and input regarding the best to use. Thanks in advance.