Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

May, 2006

Repainting Aluminum Pontoon Boat

Q. I have read several articles about prepping and painting aluminum, but the more I read the more I am confused. I recently purchased an older pontoon boat that was painted with automotive paint and the paint is chipping off. I would like to remove all the old paint by sandblasting then repainting it. Where I'm confused is after sandblasting the aluminum. Do I use a wash primer like alodine or cemfilm then a self etching primer, then an epoxy primer, finishing it off with automotive or marine paint? Or, can I use a self etching primer, epoxy primer, automotive or marine paint. What is the correct method or are there several different methods. Which method is better? I would like a simple, but durable method that will hold up to the elements. Do you have any Idea what prepping and painting methods pontoon manufactures use?

A. I have read several articles about prepping and painting aluminum, but the more I read the more I am confused. I recently purchased an older pontoon boat that was painted with automotive paint and the paint is chipping off. I would like to remove all the old paint by sandblasting then repainting it. Where I'm confused is after sandblasting the aluminum. Do I use a wash primer like alodine or cemfilm then a self etching primer, then an epoxy primer, finishing it off with automotive or marine paint? Or, can I use a self etching primer, epoxy primer, automotive or marine paint. What is the correct method or are there several different methods. Which method is better? I would like a simple, but durable method that will hold up to the elements. Do you have any Idea what prepping and painting methods pontoon manufactures use?

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph