Marine Paint, Interlux Paint, Must Know Keys...Too Hot-Too Handle

Using marine paint or interlux paint, there were several things we learned that we would like to pass onto you.



The hull is made out of Aluminum 5086, there was some preparation work before applying the paint. We made a shelter out of conduit or PVC pipe then added a tarp, instant shade.

Tip: Cut pieces of pvc pipe and use them as clamps to hold down the tarp to the frame. This way you can move the plastic pieces to move the tarp around on the pipe frame work.

Before doing anything we had to clean the aluminum by grinding the oxidation off. Grinding the top surface off helps for good adhesion of primer and paint. Electric Sander Polisher with 50 grit sanding disk does the job well. Because of the larger disk it grinds a larger surface area.

You want a fine scratch pattern on the aluminum surface your painting, about 3 mil. deep.

Key: compare this to someone cutting their front lawn back and forth in one direction. Then go back across the cut grass again in a different direction. This variation with grinding in different directions causes a better bond with the paint.

The surface you were grinding is now ready. Do not leave the area you worked on exposed to the elements for too long of a period. 1-2 hrs at the most. You need to start painting right away. The aluminum will start oxiding right away.

Key: Oxidation sits in the way and blocks the marine paint or should I say primer paint from adhering to the aluminum properly.

Before you go any further clean up the surface area of any dust and grinding shavings using a shop vac. Cut any grease or hand prints with some lacquer thinner. Interlux paint was used Interspray 800 series,

Amount of coats applied:

1. Interprime Expoxy primer 2. transition primer, 2 coats applied 3. primer coat for finish coat, 2 coats applied

Put on the coats according to manufacture instructions:

* Important key, if you let too much time go by between coats, 3 days or more you must sand the last coat. Use a 100 grit sand paper and sand the area by hand.Wash off area with thinning solvent and clean rags. This works good for removing bugs, oils, dirt and hand prints.

Key: The chemical bond betweens coats is a much stronger bond finish which means your less likely to get bubble blistering.

Be careful of the temperature of the surface you are painting. Too hot, the paint doesn't cure or harden properly curing too fast is a guarantee not to have a smooth finish.

The thinner on hot days sometimes evaporates too fast and the paint becomes thicker. Add thinner to maintain proper consistency. Cold days also have an effect on the paint it doesn't set up right. Curing too slowly while absorbing moisture, the finish would end up being foggy.

Hull: we used a spray gun

Deck: China Bristle Brushes

Key: All china bristle brushes are not created equal. Do not use the kind you find in the hardware store brands these will leave brush lines, No Synthetic brushes! Use only Hog Hair, High Quality Brushes...$30.00 a piece Outside finish coat, commercial paint 900 series you have to order this 900 series it is not available through your local marine stores.

Applications of marine paint or Interlux paint to our aluminum hull took a little time but the finish product of doing it yourself gives you a satisfaction like nothing else. The best thing about using this product was if we ran into any questions along the way, they were one phone call away.

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