Painting Ali Propeller - Why

[Bigplumbs]

Hello

I just bought a new little ali propeller for my Mariner 15 hp outboard. The Propeller has never been used but it is old so the black paint is flaking off. It will only be used on a boat (My little 3.4 m rib) that is trailered ie never kept in the water. I was wondering why we paint these propellers. Rather than go to the trouble of the special primer then the paint. I was wondering if I can simply strip off the paint clean it up and use it bare aluminium. If not why not ?

Thanks in anticipation

Dennis

 

[QBhoy]

Hi
One reason might be that aluminium is fairly succeptible to corrosion in certain environments.
Other might be that the finish on a bare ally prop (when the paint has flaked off), isn't the best. Not ideal for the principals of a propeller.
My own wee tenders' 10hp mariner recently suffered from a flaking prop.
I took it off, hung it on he driveway gate...gave the rough edges on the interface between paint and bare aluminium a wee rub down...then gave it a light spray with the mercury/mariner outboard spray paint, which is readily available on eBay. After 24 hrs...another wee dusting then it looked as good as new.
I'd try this (particularly rubbing down the interface between paint and bare aluminium) first before strippIng right down. But then again, you may be more talented at spray painting than I.