Re-painting a Jon Boat

[tbrahney]

I'm getting ready for the mini season in advance (for once)! I wanted to see if anyone knew the Correct way to repaint a Jon boat. The guy at the store told me that GRIPPER is the right primer to use on bare aluminum. Then we were going to put Floor and Porch paint over as the top coat. Is there a better primer to use...something that is specifically designed for aluminum that anyone knows of? Thanks--see you out there this season!

[whistlingwings]

Any etching primer will work. The trick is to get the surface to bare metal or as close to it as possible. Then clean, clean, clean with a high evaporative solvent such as M.E.K.. Apply primer let dry, apply again let dry, then your finish coat in multiple thin layers.

[tbrahney]

Thanks I apprecaite the advice. Other than sandblasting or power sanding the hull...are there any other routes i can take to get the paint off?

[whistlingwings]

Napa parts stores that carry automotive paint supplies have "Aircraft"
stripper. Designed specifically for removing coatings on aluminum, brush on
a thick coat wait 30 minutes and hose off.

[tbrahney]

Thats great to know!!! I'll pick some up tonight. Cant thank you enough man!

[David B]

A word of caution when using aircraft strippers. WEAR ALL THE PROTECTIVE GEAR REQUIRED!!! EYE PROTECTION IS A MUST!!! It is some great stuff, yet it can and will hurt you if you are not careful. THe right gloves and good eye protection should be considered as a required toool to get the job done.

[whistlingwings]

I'll second that, and should be flogged for not mentioning it before.