mad_boater
New member
Has anyone got any ideas on how to make aluminium windows that have lost their finish look good again?
Aluminium windows
- Thread starter mad_boater
- Start date
capnjack
New member
How much finish has been lost mad-boater? And is there any salt corrosion?
Captain Coochie
Active member
powder coating lasts a long time and is cheap , not sure if you can do it on aluminium but its worth a phone call to find out .
shield city pc in staines are good pm me for the number if you want a price .
shield city pc in staines are good pm me for the number if you want a price .
BrendanS
Well-known member
It may be worth having a look in pbo and scuttlebutt, as several posts on the subject over last 6 months. There was at least one thread, which commented on the fact that once corrosion has set in, recoating just highlights the defects
mad_boater
New member
A reply to capn'jack. The windows have no salt corrosion but the anodizing has gone in places. I dont really want to remove the offending windows. Has any one used a spray on paint finnish to effect?
capnjack
New member
OK MB, now I can answer your question with more authority and to greater effect.
If you can get the windows out all the better, not only can you re-coat better, but rubbing down will be easier. If not mask the fibreglass around the window and the glass before you start.
If the finish has only partially gone then wire wool on the areas affected should do the trick and allow you to finish with a coating without too much work.
If not then wet and dry will have to be employed. Never use courser that 180 grade on any aluminium, the scratches will be a nightmare to get out. Start with a 600 grade wet and dry and a bucket of water. As you get rid of the damaged coating move to 800 or 1000 or even 1200, its all about feel and the effect you are having. Once you have got all the coating off and the aluminium is looking good, finish with wire wool.
The next stage is to decide what finish you require. If you want to paint them use a Zinc based primer, like the primers used for sterndrives. After all, they are made from aluminium and painted with a Zinc primer and an Acrylic top coat. If you want to go for a clear finish, say with a satin look, then don't polish the ali too much on the finish, then coat with a clear laquer. Anodising is better though, as this is chemically bonded the the metal, but I don't know any costs. I have achieved several refirbs over the years with these methods, one I am about to try is a clear Expoxy finish. Epoxy resins are used with great effect on wooden masts and hulls as well as on many areas in the marine industry that require maximum corrosion protection.
Personally, if you can find a colour that suits the boat, I would clean them off as described, Zinc primer, then use Acrylic paint to finish.
Hope this helps, good luck.
Capn Jack
If you can get the windows out all the better, not only can you re-coat better, but rubbing down will be easier. If not mask the fibreglass around the window and the glass before you start.
If the finish has only partially gone then wire wool on the areas affected should do the trick and allow you to finish with a coating without too much work.
If not then wet and dry will have to be employed. Never use courser that 180 grade on any aluminium, the scratches will be a nightmare to get out. Start with a 600 grade wet and dry and a bucket of water. As you get rid of the damaged coating move to 800 or 1000 or even 1200, its all about feel and the effect you are having. Once you have got all the coating off and the aluminium is looking good, finish with wire wool.
The next stage is to decide what finish you require. If you want to paint them use a Zinc based primer, like the primers used for sterndrives. After all, they are made from aluminium and painted with a Zinc primer and an Acrylic top coat. If you want to go for a clear finish, say with a satin look, then don't polish the ali too much on the finish, then coat with a clear laquer. Anodising is better though, as this is chemically bonded the the metal, but I don't know any costs. I have achieved several refirbs over the years with these methods, one I am about to try is a clear Expoxy finish. Epoxy resins are used with great effect on wooden masts and hulls as well as on many areas in the marine industry that require maximum corrosion protection.
Personally, if you can find a colour that suits the boat, I would clean them off as described, Zinc primer, then use Acrylic paint to finish.
Hope this helps, good luck.
Capn Jack
mad_boater
New member
Re: Aluminium windows
Thanks for the advise capn'jack I think I will go down the zink undercoat and acrylic paint route . Having replaced windows in the past I feel a satisfactory job (considering the age of the boat) will be obtained.
Thanks for the advise capn'jack I think I will go down the zink undercoat and acrylic paint route . Having replaced windows in the past I feel a satisfactory job (considering the age of the boat) will be obtained.
capnjack
New member
Re: Aluminium windows
Just glad I can help, a wise choice MB.
Just glad I can help, a wise choice MB.