Painting boat

[Crappie_ Kid]

This summer im paintaing my 14 foot alumacraft camoflauge.

We just got the boat 2 years ago,and it was in bad condition. So we fixed her up and put a nice fishing boat set of paint on it. Am I going to have to sand of the paint that is on there now? And what is the best way of painting an aluminium boat camo? thanx

[poutpro]

shouldn't have to sand it off. I painted over and old Lund a couple years ago and it still is holding, we used a primer base coat because some areas were paintless, but I don't know if you would have to if it already has a layer of paint.

[BendnSend]

If you got the time and want to make 100% sure that your paint job sticks and turns out like a pro, then by all means go ahead and start sanding my friend. Like what was mentioned earlier, you dont have to but i've found out that if you sand it down to bare metal and get a very good primer coat on there that the base coat will hold alot better! We all know how duck boats can all take a beating and there isnt anything more embarrasing than a boat that half the paint feel off after 1 year cuz someone skimped on the paint job and did a half a__ed job on it!

[Dean Schellinger]

We painted our canoe a couple years ago and I think you will get the best results if you sand/scrape off any loose/peeling paint. If you go to Mills Fleet or Gander they have some good Olive Drab duck boat paint that does not need a primer. It is still holding on our canoe so I think you will be happy with that route.

[tealitup]

Just a thought.. When you paint the inside of the boat, on the floor, throw some sand or gritty stuff down. I did this and it really helps with traction.

[primetime49]

Crappie Kid,sand the paint you have on it and carefully clean the rest with muratic acid.This process of acid etching will have the rest of unpainted aluminum clean of debris and is often a recommended way to prepare for paint.You can get muratic acid anywhere that concrete and brick suppliers are operating.good luck.