I have an aluminum mast that I stripped paint from. I am thinking of spray painting with a clear paint. Will this work or should I just leave plain?
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
Leave it!
From what I understand, you must properly prep aluminum so the paint will adhere. If you don't, it's quite likely that it will just flake right off. To prep it, you have to use some special aluminum etching acid - doesn't sound too fun to me! I'd leave it if it looks ok. LaDonna
From what I understand, you must properly prep aluminum so the paint will adhere. If you don't, it's quite likely that it will just flake right off. To prep it, you have to use some special aluminum etching acid - doesn't sound too fun to me! I'd leave it if it looks ok. LaDonna
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Matt
It really is not that hard to paint...
I agree with LaDonna about the post on hairline cracks, but painting an aluminum mast and boom is not that hard. Lightly sand the entire mast, 120 grit works good. All you want to do is rough it up to give the paint something to grab onto. Make sure you wipe off all the dust. 1 coat brushed on of Interlux Vinylux Prime-wash. Goes on like water and is yellow in color (it is transparent so don't try to over-coat. One coat does the trick). This forms the tie coat for the metal and the paint. Spray a primer coat and sand out the bumps. Spray the topcoat (I suggest Interlux Interthane Plus [a two part poly]). Lightly sand with 300 grit to knock off the gloss. Paint the final topcoat. Trust me, it really is not that bad.
I agree with LaDonna about the post on hairline cracks, but painting an aluminum mast and boom is not that hard. Lightly sand the entire mast, 120 grit works good. All you want to do is rough it up to give the paint something to grab onto. Make sure you wipe off all the dust. 1 coat brushed on of Interlux Vinylux Prime-wash. Goes on like water and is yellow in color (it is transparent so don't try to over-coat. One coat does the trick). This forms the tie coat for the metal and the paint. Spray a primer coat and sand out the bumps. Spray the topcoat (I suggest Interlux Interthane Plus [a two part poly]). Lightly sand with 300 grit to knock off the gloss. Paint the final topcoat. Trust me, it really is not that bad.
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John V.
Needs a coating of some kind
You aluminum mast need SOME kind of coating to protect it from corrosion. This is usually what is known as a conversion coating, a protective oxide, like anodizing, or paint. You can do either one yourself. 3M makes quart sized units of both the etchant and the conversion coating solution. Painting aluminum, many will conversion coat before priming. As stated in a previous reply, the first primer is usually a "wash primer," which is thin and not opaque. Yu can then epoxy prime, and then paint, ideally epoxy also.
You aluminum mast need SOME kind of coating to protect it from corrosion. This is usually what is known as a conversion coating, a protective oxide, like anodizing, or paint. You can do either one yourself. 3M makes quart sized units of both the etchant and the conversion coating solution. Painting aluminum, many will conversion coat before priming. As stated in a previous reply, the first primer is usually a "wash primer," which is thin and not opaque. Yu can then epoxy prime, and then paint, ideally epoxy also.
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
Thanks, guys!
The fella who was describing the process to me a while back made it sound like you could practically lose an arm in this operation! Maybe I'll go back
The fella who was describing the process to me a while back made it sound like you could practically lose an arm in this operation! Maybe I'll go back
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markv
prep the mast first!
alumaprep and then alodine are the two chemicles to use prior to painting you must keep the aluminium wet between applying the two . i purchased a plastic bottle with a sponge tip on it from the grocery store and foun it worked great for applying the alodine, wich wil give an amber coating to the surface. thealumaprep is applied using a scotchbrite pad and some a-prep in a plastic container. 2 part epoxy and its primer are easy to use as long as you follow the directions to the letter. prior to etching the surface of the mast give it a good scrub with a scotchbrite pad and then wipe it down, try to get the inside of the mast at each end for at least 6'' for good measure. make sure to wear goggles and a mask/respirator and good strong rubber gloves.
alumaprep and then alodine are the two chemicles to use prior to painting you must keep the aluminium wet between applying the two . i purchased a plastic bottle with a sponge tip on it from the grocery store and foun it worked great for applying the alodine, wich wil give an amber coating to the surface. thealumaprep is applied using a scotchbrite pad and some a-prep in a plastic container. 2 part epoxy and its primer are easy to use as long as you follow the directions to the letter. prior to etching the surface of the mast give it a good scrub with a scotchbrite pad and then wipe it down, try to get the inside of the mast at each end for at least 6'' for good measure. make sure to wear goggles and a mask/respirator and good strong rubber gloves.
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Jack
Paint
Since you removed the old paint I would suggest that if the mast was anodized, it no loger is. You will need to either paint or have the mast anodized. Painting is no big deal.
Since you removed the old paint I would suggest that if the mast was anodized, it no loger is. You will need to either paint or have the mast anodized. Painting is no big deal.
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Kirk Perry
Thanks to all
I got of good help from all you folks. I think I will investigate the aluma- prep, prime and 1 part white polyurethane paint. I tried several anodizing shops and 32' is beyond their limits.
I got of good help from all you folks. I think I will investigate the aluma- prep, prime and 1 part white polyurethane paint. I tried several anodizing shops and 32' is beyond their limits.
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