Mast paint?

[zoidberg]

I'm considering painting my elderly anodised mast, which is presently stored in the open, and seek experienced input.

One Boat Show supplier suggests sanding off all the anodising (!), then quickly applying zinc chromate primer, and then a 2-pack epoxy based paint. Another paint supplier, and yottie, advises that I simply clean it well, apply a different primer-for-alloy, then - also quickly - his company's 1-pack paint.

What does the team think?

 

[William_H]

A primer suitable for ali can be good. I just whack on a cheap enamel of appropriate colour. Dark blue in my case. The paint gets battered by halyards spin poles etc so gets touched up every winter. No problem. So not a brilliant finish of 2 pack or sprayed on one pack but easy to touch up. ol'will

 

[gus]

A sand down with an abrasive sponge pad and a coat of white hammerite is very effective and long lasting. No need to prime.

 

[peteK]

Wouldnt of thought you need a primer with epoxy based paints.

 

[lw395]

Wouldnt of thought you need a primer with epoxy based paints.

Probably not on anything that's weathered.
Etching shiny metal is a different thing.

I suspect it's a balance of effort vs improved resistance to chipping.
Use white fablon to protect areas prone to getting bashed by shackles etc.

 

[zoidberg]

I suspect it's a balance of effort vs improved resistance to chipping.
Use white fablon to protect areas prone to getting bashed by shackles etc.

Thanks for everyone's input. More is welcome....

I've primer-and-painted the boom, but had an attack of the uncertainties....

I believe I'll go ahead, and I'll stick very thin oval plates of stainless where shackles, etc chip the paint, and/or touch up.

 

[JimC]

This any use?
https://www.everbritecoatingsuk.com/aluminium-mast-restoration-and-prot

 

[zoidberg]

Hmmm....

 

[vyv_cox]

The best painted masts I have ever seen were on superyachts at Palma Boatyard, Mallorca, who exclusively use Awlgrip. This has the reputation, probably deserved, of being extremely expensive. However, they publish detailed procedures and advice, which might be worth investigating.

http://www.awlgrip.com/support-and-advice/surface-preparation-and-priming-aluminum.aspx