Aluminium paint schedule

Hi Guys , what is the best paint schedule for a leisure aluminium boat ?
My doubts are about putty and paint features, primer and how many coats for each component.

Thanks.

 

Putty ? Is this a newly made boat, and it needs some fairing of the panels ?

 

yes,some fairing of panels and smoother of welding

 

You should follow a paint system, as specified by the maker of whatever is the finish you decide on. So, if a two-part polyurethane is your choice, follow the directions on the can, for surface prep, priming, filling, etc., for that paint, over that substrate. Mixing primers and undercoats and finish coats from different makers can lead to trouble, unless you know they are all compatible. If there is a lot of filling involved, you may like to consider saving some weight by using an appropriate ( some sand better, and produce a smoother surface) lightweight filler, rather than "heavy" bog containing, e.g., talc. I see a lot of merit in painting inside alloy boats, particularly where water lies out of sight. That way too, if foreign objects, including metallic ones, lodge there, you have a barrier against corrosion, that can take hold unnoticed. Bear in mind too, that your choice of finish will be affected by the application method, spraying two-pack is potentially a health hazard without the right respirators. It can be applied by brush and roller to get an acceptable finish, though.

 

I used Gator Glide below waterline of my fiberglass boat but it's intended for aluminum, I rolled it on, very easy to work with. But it might chalk up on surfaces exposed to the sun, don't know about that.

 

See the attached links from recognised paint suppliers.

The important part is to ensure good adhesion for initial primer coat. Mechanical abrasion of the surface and application of an etch primer is common practice for an aluminium system.

http://www.yachtpaint.com/LiteratureCentre/Surface Preparation Aluminium_GBR_ENG.pdf

http://www.awlgrip.com/support-and-advice/surface-preparation-and-priming-aluminum.aspx

As for your concerns, it depends on the level of finish you wish to achieve and budget constaints. I suggest speaking to the supplier of whichever brand you choose to use for specific information.

 

I guess if the finish is on the rough side, sans bog, you are obliged to paint. Given a reasonable finish, I'd just paint the inside, as being more value in the battle against corrosion. But I don't like alloy boats, all that much.