Seal a Steel Keel

[Paul]

Im just a simple guy how requires a simple answer.Steel keel with 30 blisters (dime size) all sanded, etched and filled with epoxy. The front of the keel has been sanded to bare metal and since there were so many blisters I took everything off right to the bare metal. Now I want to protect it with some type of barrier coat and then put on VC17 antifoul. What can I coat this keel with? Is there a brush on barrier coat that blocks water? The simpler the better. I would prefer to use Interlux products since the hull already has VC17.Comments....

 

[Mike]

Seal the Keel, but not a Steal

I have used interlux primacon, which is a primer designed to be used on metal below the waterline. I liked my results. Buy enough for six coats--you must seal it completely to be successful.

 

[Dick Carey]

Rust-Loc on Steel Keel

Paul,I have used Rust-Loc (I beleive by Interlux - maybe Pettit)on my steel keel where I had some rusting and it worked well. First wire brush the area, the apply Rust-Loc (thin aluminum colored liquid), then put on a few coats of antifouling paint. The Rust-Loc bonds to the still somewhat rusty steel and the paint will bond to it. I was very satisfied.Dick CareyS/V Puffin1990 H-33.5

 

[VIEXILE]

Primacon

This in area where you READ the directions carefully. I just watched a beautiful 52' steel ketch get stripped and redone. Primacon, then Interprotect, with the mfg. recommendations (supposedly) followed to the letter. Contact an International Paints rep. These guys screwed up by not doing something right and portions of the painting fell off. Also, if you do any filling with West, DEBLUSH it appropriately, or the paint will simply roll off. Ask an expert.

 

[Daryl]

Keel Coating

I grinded the iron keep two and tried several coatings that were not effective. First I tried VC Tar recommended by Interlux. Second I tried Petit's RustLok. Rust returned in two seasons after being used in fresh water both times. The best solution is to sand blast the keel and coat with epoxy within one hour. Any other method and you can plan on rust touchup almost every season