priming aluminum

[Cheg]

I need to prime and paint an aluminum bracket. What should I use and how long will it hold up. It's going to be trailered. Has anyone used Hammerite?

[JohnB]

I had mine powder coated. I have seen few brackets that are painted without being chemically etched, and then painted/baked that have held up very long. This is usually outside the ability of most people. I think it cost me 250 bucks to have it powder coated, and it was going to cost over 150 to paint it myself.

[bigeasy1]

Don't know if this is any help,but I painted a few aluminum boats that I stripped down to bare aluminum with very good results.
I used a vinyl etching primer made by Sherwin Williams automotive coatings division.
http://www.sherwin-automotive.com/pr...product=E2G973

It's a two part primer that gives outstanding adhesion.I sprayed the finish coat with their two part Sunfire urethane.It was an extremely durable finish.I trailered these boats,but would occasionally leave them in the water for two or three weeks with no problems.

[ReelToy]

I had my bracket anodized and powder coated about 15 years ago it has held up great. I couldn't be more satisfied the way it has lasted. If I were to do it again I would do the same. The guy doing the powder coating did not think it was necessary to anodize it but I think it helped. Cost me 65 dollars for anodizing and 100 for coating way back then. Recently I had poling platform and seat back rest powder coated for my old McKee Craft and it cost 75 dollars for both. Get a few quotes from different powder coaters because they vary in price a lot.

[pelican]

powder coating is tough-some guys love it and most hate it...me,i hate it,i've never seen it hold up yet-first nick in the coating and it's all coming off...

aluminum: for anything to properly adhere to aluminum,the surface must be chemically etch primed first-skip this step,and you're gonna regret it...
for refinishing an outboard bracket,i use the chemical etch prime first,followed by interprotect 2000e epoxy barrier coat,then,i use duratec surfacer,followed by awlgrip...holds up fantastic,the surface will never pop off...

awlgrip is not designed to be underwater-bear this in mind,if your boat's on a trailer,it's ok...otherwise,waterline up is awlgrip and below is trilux antifouling bottom paint...

[Cheg]

There is nothing better than info from people who have done it. Thankyou for the feedback.

[JohnB]

Whether you paint or powder coat, prep is everything. I have a couple of chips in my powder-coated bracket, and i "patched" them with a dab of 5200, and they have not spread. Going on 2 years.

[ReelToy]

I forgot I did have my bracket sandblasted before anodizing and powder coating. If I could figure out how to post pictures I could show there are no chips or flaking after 15 years. The only spots I have seen on it are where it was bolted up on my old boat with 5200 and you can't see them. I've even dropped downrigger weights on it with no damage.

[3rdday]

Whatever you do, do not use a polyester gelcoat. It is hydroscopic.

[BigLew]

Whatever you do, do not use a polyester gelcoat. It is hydroscopic.

I'm sorry, but I am not familiar with "hydroscopic." Hydrophyllic and hydrophobic yes but, Hydordroscopic no. What does that mean? Maybe, water will penetrate through it?