Last year mine was a little dryMy fiance always smokes meat if we go to his parents houseIts really goodI'm actually having a turkey cooking competition with my twin sister for Christmas so this thanksgiving turkey is practice.(she will find this question on here.lol)
Thoroughly sand clean and wash the aluminum surfacesBe sure that there are no contaminants left behind by the stripping processPurchase an acid etch wash primer from an industrial paint store and ask the folks there for directions to apply the wash primer to aluminumThe instructions are different for aluminum than for steelIf the folks at the paint store don't know the difference then call the paint company and get directions from the technical folks there A good high quality marine grade two component epoxy primer is in orderAfter you spray apply the primer, and allow it to dry then you may spray apply a two component polyurethane top coat paintBe sure to check with the paint supplier to ensure compatibility between the epoxy primer and the polyurethane top coatBe sure that you are in an enclosed area with good ventilation before you proceedA high quality HVLP spray gun will do the job wellThese spray guns are not inexpensive, so be sure that you will have other jobs to perform that will require the use of a good spray gunBe sure to select a gun that will matched to your compressor an HVLP gun will drain the air from an average home compressor very quickly and the gun will not perform as expectedKnow the specifications of your air compressor such as CFM (cubic feet) of airBring this information with you when shopping for HVLP spray gunThe spray gun will require enough CFM to perform at is highest level of qualityDo not select a spray gun that requires greater CFM than four compressor can supply.
You don't say how big this boat is so I guess its under 15'The best thing to do is remove the old paint with chemical remover or sand blastingThen you would prime it with zinc chromate and put a finish coat over that of your choice of colorOr you can use a Hi build epoxy primer and then finish coat itPaints that are used on steel or fiberglass do not really stick to aluminumDo not use a latex paint as it will fall offSpray the paint on if you can for best finish, you may be able to rent a sprayer.
plain old aluminum will go threw the water better than any paint job ever willbest thing to do is power wash the rest of the paint offwhen you get the majority off take a fine grade sandpaper, 100 or 120 grit and lightly sand the entire surface that contacts the waterthis creates scratches in the metal, scratches trap air bubblesmore air, less frictionthis is what i do 2 times a year to the bottom of my 14 foot lundlooks nice and shiny from a distance and i go faster than the identical boat with identical motor !
Aluminum Boat Bottom Paint
I do not open the oven just to check on it or baste itEvery time you open the oven you loose both heat (about 25 degrees) and moistureIf you are worried about the skin drying out, then make an aluminum foil tent and leave it on top until the last 20-30 minutes and then remove for a golden brown skin.
