reworking an aluminum canoe?

[royalwolf]

I've got a veteran old aluminum 16' canoe that I'd like to refinish. The old camo paint job is flaking off like crazy (about 70% finish left, I'd say). I plan to paint it an olive drab to start with.

Now: what's the best way to prep it for painting? Do I need to sand it or strip it down to the bare metal, or can I paint over the existing paint that remains if I get all the loose stuff off?

Also: any tips for smoothing out the dents some? I'll try a rubber mallet but some of them are rather large dents.

Thanks for any hints!

Tom

[SportFishin']

royalwolf,

First you want to strip it down with some paint stripper ZEP is the best & fastest, also get some heavy duty rubber gloves for the stripper. Stuff is nasty on your skin

After you have it stripped work the dents out by backing up the other side with a 2x4 or other block of wood & pound those dents out with the rubber hammer/body panel hammer.

As for the refinishing you will need to etch the aluminum or apply a etching primer to the surface to be painted before you apply your finish coats so that they will not flake off like the current finish is doing.

Hope this gets you started & have fun with your project!

Chris