Pedestal base corrosion

[Jim Seamans]

The powder coating on my pedestal base is flaking off. Called Lewmar and they suggest taking it apart and having it re-powder coated. Guess thats not happening....

So, chip off all the flaking powder coating and clean up the aluminum base.

Now what the heck do I do?

Epoxy barrier coat it, then use a white epoxy paint?

Use Zinc Chromate, then use the white paint?

Anyone tried any of this??? I'm open to some ideas..

 

[seadaddler]

WOW

I guess owning a sailboat is not always enjoying and Fun.
I have tried cleaning and getting the item to bare metal and than repaint
but not had great success lasting very long.
I would think that you need to take that piece to some one who does powder coating and that is not what you want to hear for sure.
Sure hope you have good luck with fixing it and in the mean time maybe
use a good wire brush on a drill to get it as good as possible and than brush
on good paint so it looks OK.
Nick

 

[Allan12210]

Here is a thread that may help. I described how I repainted mine.



http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=1059328&highlight=allan12210 primer

 

[Jim Seamans]

Thanks Guys, looks like their will be sanding and painting in my future.....

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Chang,

I am no expert on powdercoating but, after looking at the photo a few things came to mind.

First, I thought maybe a tool etc. that may have dropped on the base caused a chip out of the coating thus allowing moisture over time to separate the coating from the bare metal.

Secondly, I noticed the affected area seemed to be centered around a thru-bolt connection. It's possible that when tightening this bolt originally, it may have caused cracks around the thru hole coating & over time, moisture did the rest.

Thirdly, again looking at the thru bolt, I wonder if maybe your pedestal has some stray current running or a reaction to dissimilar metals, thus causing a galvanic effect to your aluminum & causing separation. Have someone do an millivolt check to be sure. I believe Mainsail & Stu should have some helpful articles on proper testing methods.

CR

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Jim;

Ah, put a little bubble gum over it and spray paint. Just kidding from little brother. I have actually seen bubble gum used for sealing in the past used by what I call backyard pro nuts.

 

[Jim Seamans]

Update - Pedestal base corrosion

Finally got some time to fix this corrosion. Started by using a putty knife to lift most of the chips. Then went after it with a grinder with a wire brush to remove most of the corrosion. Then sanding it over with 60 - 120 grit sanding, feathering as best as I could.
Used Interlux products, 202 to wipe down the area. Then InterProtect 2000 to seal off the aluminum. More sanding to smooth it out. Then some more 2000. Then more sanding with 120 grit. Finally, I used Brightside polyurethane to finish it off. Looks great from 10ft away. Time will tell if this holds up. But it makes the Admiral happy....

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I used Brightside on our pedestal, as well, with less meticulous preparation ... I basically used a course grit sand paper to take off the old, flaking black paint.

I primed with a rustoleum product in black because the original pedestal was black. I wasn't sure if I was going to go with black or try burgundy for my pedestal. I finally decided to use the burgundy. I just put on 1 coat of Brightside 2 years ago and it never showed any sign of losing it's grip. In the right light, I could see where the black prime came thru in places. So, a few weeks ago I scuffed it with a scotchbrite and cleaned with acetone. Put on another burgundy coat of Brightside and it looks great in my opinion. We don't have the salt to deal with, though. I find that it levels out very nicely as long as I take care not to allow any runs.