paint aluminum masts?

[JeffM]

I'm mulling over painting Bea Ann's masts. Partly cause slightly corroded aluminum is ugly, partly because it leaves my hands and, more importantly, the luff sleeves, blackened, and partly because, well, its corroding! Any opinions? paint options? (Rustoleum?) procedures? Should I leave the mast unpainted where it comes in contact with the steps or mast tube? How about the hidden parts of the bearings between sections?

I already had a look at the "tin bin" aluminum cs17 posts, and the ideas there seem too expensive and fancy for this job.

[Ken_Potts]

I haven't found the "tin bin" post so I don't know what was suggested. In my professional life I work with a lot of aluminum parts that end up anodized - Unfortunately I don't know what the cost is for something strangely shaped like a long thin mast (I don't know the size limits of the average tank used).

Anodized parts are frequently dyed so you could probably get a nice bright white or a less-glare black or if you wanted even a bright orange.

I have a feeling that anodizing is probably prohibitively expensive but I thought it wouldn't hurt to mention it.

For anyone who is unfamiliar - Anodizing is essentially pre-corroding aluminum to create a protective barrier and the corroded surface holds dye well so just about any color is available.

Can you provide a link to the "tin bin post"? I'm going to be offline for a little over a week but I'll check back when I return.

[PAR]

Two part linear polyurethane would be the best paint, followed by single part polyurethane, then epoxy based paint. The pole could be anodized, but where, shipping and how much may be the limiting factors. I think you could do an excellent job with spray cans of the best Rusto you can find.

Prep is the ticket with all paint jobs, aluminum is especially needy. Sand and clean the surface just prior to painting. Don't wait, the white powdery coating (oxidation) will start to form on the mast as soon as you start sanding. There is a mild acid etch you can use on aluminum that makes a fine prep (zinc chromate I think) or primer available form most paint manufactures.

[Charlie Jones]

Yeah- Zinc Chromate as a primer, then a 2 part poly over that.

Did the mast on my 21 footer that way 5 years ago and it's working out fine.

Follow the schedule PAR suggested and don't wait between the washing and the ZC primer. I wiped down with Acetone, then sprayed. Two coats ZC then the paint. Once it's got the primer on, then you don't need to rush.

[Tim]

I used Rust Oleum with no problems so far except a small amount of paint has been worn away at the top of the mast tube and thwart contact areas. I didn't use primer just sanded it before using basic spray can type. From their web site FAQ page....

Can your products be applied to aluminum?

Yes. Providing a profile (roughing the surface) can be achieved, any of our products are suitable for aluminum. The water-based acrylic Painter's Touch brush products are our best recommendation. You can also use 8781 Aluminum Primer.

[JeffM]

Thanks, all. Lots of useful info here. The point about not delaying the first coat is well taken. I'll have to check prices and mull the work involved. Here is the link to the Tin Bin (all-aluminum cs17): http://www.messing-about.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1216&highlight=aluminum+paint%2A

[PJPiercey]

I used an acid wash/etch, followed by System Three epoxy primer, followed by Stystem Three linear poyurathane. Nice hard, durable finish.

Paul

[Travis Votaw]

Hey, Tim - what kind of motor are you using in the little picture under your name ?

Did you see your boat pictures under the BOOTS 05 gallery on my website?