EAST TEXAS HOG DOGGERS FORUM

Ordered a new aluminum stock trailer a couple months ago, it finally came in...   Before I put anything in it, I want to seal the floor, under the mats.   I've been told to use a self etching primer, then paint.   What I am looking for is a recommendation on what type of primer and paint, and any tricks to having good adhesion?

I plan to pull the mats

use the pressure washer with degreaser spray to cut any of the oils leftover from the factory

use a self etching primer, need some recommendations here...

paint a couple of coats of quality paint, need recommendations here too...

then put the mats back in the trailer.

The purpose of the paint, is the keep the urine from eating the aluminum, as it gets trapped under the mats.

I figure there must be some guys on ETHD who have painted aluminum boats, or other items, and might be willing to share some tips.

What did you get Chris did you sale your other.

I use a product called Aluma-Brite on my aluminum boats. Sprayed the boat with the stuff, let it sit, rinsed off, then painted. This was 6 years ago and the paint is still sticking, and thats with gas frequently spilling on it.

http://www.kemperindustries.com/ALUMA-BRITE

You could also try an aluminum oxide primer...

http://www.hardwareworld.com/Qt-Aluminum-Oxide-Primer-p5GDPXK.aspx

Thanks Slim.

Chance,

    I traded off the 2010 Cimarron. There were some features I didn't care for on the 2010, so I sat down and wrote out my wish list, then ordered a new Cimarron, 28' x 8' wide, 17.5" 16 ply tires, butterfly rears, combo sliders on the cut gates, dressing room, etc...    It's got the same square footage as a 32' x 6', plus the dressing room.

Next time you haul to Kentucky, you can load a few more....

Here's a couple of pics.
(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/575091_10150852892642407_1847854578_n.jpg)

(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/ccoughran/IMAG0468.jpg)

Slim,
   What type of paint did you use on your boat?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Duralux-Camouflage-Paint-Dead-Grass-Green-Gallon-/260707098298


QUOTED:

"Aluminum: Pretreat with suitable wash primer. Apply one coat of Duralux Zinc Chromate M739, Top with two full coats of Duralux Camo Paint."

Like i said i didnt apply anything but the Aluma-Brite to the bare aluminum.  From what i was told by someone who frequently paints aluminum the Aluma-Brite is an acid that "opens" up the pores of the aluminum allowing the paint to bite.

Lots of people get that confused.  An aluminum oxide primer is a primer based on aluminum oxide chemistry...not a primer designed for use on aluminum surfaces.

What you need is a zinc chromate primer.  Unfortunately, as with most chemicals the EPA decided that it worked too well and so now it's classified hazerdous and a bit hard to get.  Google "Dupont Variprime".  It's a self etching primer that works pretty well.  I had my river boat done last year and this is what I settled on and had used.  As far as paint, if you get the right primer on it paint shouldn't matter that much...just a good quality automotive paint should work.  Mine was a bit different due to the fact that part of the paint would be below water.

Duralux also makes an aluminum boat paint that you use without a primer. I painted a mud boat 3 yrs. ago and it's holding up great. Like
slimhogdog said, I used the aluminum brightener acid to clean and etch the bare aluminum , rinsed well, let dry and then painted with the
Duralux Marine Aluminum Boat Paint. Here in Morgan City you can get the aluminum brightener acid and Duralux Marine Paint at any hardware store. If you can't find it, you might have to order it. I pasted a link of the paint below. You should be able to get it much cheaper.
                              http://www.bottompaintstore.com/duralux-aluminum-boat-paint-green-gallon-p-10802.html
                   
                           

Looks good Chris. I like it. Congratulations on it.

i would spray it with brightner  like that use  for chrome oh big rigs then scrup it with TSP

Use a zinc chromate two part epoxy primer. We use for helicopters in the military.

Hey chris, let me look around the hanger tomorrow n i will see if i can snag a gallon of 2 part plus the 1 quart of activator. I go in at 3pm. Shoot me a pm if u want it.

can we borrow it in a couple weeks to take wades pigs to belt buckle bonanza it would look nice behind lauras new silver dodge 3500 4 door 4x4 

Jml, It's going to the dealer on Saturday for some modifications, but after that you can come latch on to it anytime.

Good info. I painted my aluminum boat a few years ago and its not holding up very good imo. I will have to try one of these the next go round. Thanks