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Hello,

I recently also started work on my 1966 12' Aluminum Speed Master and had to strip down about 8-10 coats of paint. Try using Klean-Strip KS-3 Stripper. The BEST!! about $15 or so for a large amount. I had to go through soooo many coats, both in and out, that I went through 1 and 1/4 cans. Which isn't bad, seeing that the one at some boat store I bought cost double, and was not as tough as this stuff is.. I guess I will ask around about this aluminum oxide primer, and see if I can get the low down, since it seems that we are all in the same place and are getting ready to paint soon. Try the Stripper. I guarantee it!!

Mario G [name deleted for privacy]
- Torrance, CA, United States

Dear sirs ,

I am the proud owner of a 12 ft V-Hull aluminum boat. Great little boat but in dire need of being spruced up. My problem is that I would like to paint and I'm not sure what steps I need to follow nor which products I should use.

Kindly let me know what you would suggest in layman's terms .

Thank You, Very Much Appreciated,

Lourdes G [name deleted for privacy]
Hobbyist - Lake Worth, FL, US

I just got a 14 ft aluminum jon boat and I want to paint it but I need to know where to find some aluminum oxide primer. got any suggestions?

Billy J [name deleted for privacy]
fishing guide - Celina, TX, US

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Ed. note: See the entry of May 15, 2007, Billy. You are looking for a primer designed for aluminum oxide surfaces, i.e., aluminum boats, not a primer based on aluminum oxide chemistry.

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To paint Aluminum is labor intensive. The environmental effects of zinc chromate (aluminum primer) is deadly to the human body.

We use Aluma-wash then Alumiprep 33 [link is to product info at Sailnet.com / Marine.com] before the primer is applied. Awl-Grip is the preferred color paint involving a two part process that is expensive. All Aluminum starts corroding (rusting) once it hits the air while some have anodizing applied but if scratched or welded the erosion continues. Our boats range from 40 to 200 feet and few paint jobs last more than ten years.

In Ft.Lauderdale, a private tug named Hero still operates for over 30 years without any paint. She is all aluminum with an aircooled diesel and no thru-hulls. Her entire hull covering exists of a wax coating on the inside and outside. Zero problems and no maintenance after the initial coat.

steven m [name deleted for privacy]
- Ft .Laud. Fla. USA

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What is the fastest and easiest method to remove a water line from an aluminum boat hull? I have a new boat and recently put it into a lake for four days. When pulled it already had a "scum line" that I would like to remove as easily and quickly as possible. What are product choices that are effective for removal of the line? I would then like to coat the hull with some type of product/protectant that will keep scum lines from reoccurring.

I do not want to use an acid wash at this stage since the line is on a relatively new surface. My mission is to accomplish this feat as fast and easy as possible.

Dwayne R [name deleted for privacy]
fishing enthusiast - Oroville, California, USA

In response to Dwayne with the "scum line". I recently owned a 14 ft. semi V aluminum boat and when I got it, it looked terrible. It had been used in a local river that is nasty. The scum ring on the boat was three layered and terrible. I tried many things even a power drill and attachment. I finally decided to try Steel Wool [link is to product info at Rockler]. not the kind that is course but in the wood working business we call it angel hair. It took off all the rings with less effort and more quickly than all the other attempts combined. You could probably try brillo pads also. NOTE: My boat did not have decals. Always use these with a bucket of water to keep the surface wet. You may have to rinse every foot and a half to prevent drying.

Jason W [name deleted for privacy]
- Tupelo, MS, USA

I am still not sure if you absolutely have to remove the old paint on the boat before you paint again but I do know the process after that. You should use a self etching primer first. One coat is enough. It is available anywhere automotive paint is. It has a catalyst so be sure to purchase it too. Next 2 coats of epoxy primer are needed. This is also a 2 part primer. Finally you can use any automotive paint to paint your boat once you have went through those steps. Be sure once you sand your boat to prep for painting you use a lacquer thinner to remove any grease etc., wipe it on and then wipe it off wet. Also you should use a tack cloth after that to insure all dust removed. Then just follow the primer and paint steps above. A previously painted boat....dunno if you need to completely remove the old paint though.

Justin R [name deleted for privacy]
- Dyersburg, TN