Painting alluminium propeller

[haydude]

I have an aluminium propeller where the paint flaked in some places revealing the metal. Last year I had it re-painted by a professional yard, and this year it is even worse.

Please could you let me know what is the best way to repaint it?
What primer do I use directly on aluminium and after that what paint and how many coats?

 

[Tranona]

I use International Trilux spray - have just done a new prop. Had it on the old one and it lasted well. You will probably need to strip and prime if the paint has come off in places. Instructions with the paint.

 

[Bobobolinsky]

Why not remove it, take it to a stove enamellers and have it stove enamelled. Works well enough on alloy wheels

 

[duncan]

I suspect the real issue is the initial prep of the aluminium

 

[Bosun Higgs]

I have an aluminium propeller where the paint flaked in some places revealing the metal. Last year I had it re-painted by a professional yard, and this year it is even worse.

Please could you let me know what is the best way to repaint it?
What primer do I use directly on aluminium and after that what paint and how many coats?

I had an aluminium bronze prop on a silette outdrive leg. It was a PITA to keep painted even using a two pack epoxy undercoat and a two pack poly top coat - it lasted maybe 2 or 3 years at most.

I was once told that the original paint was cellulose but I never got round to trying it.

Aluminium is a problem to paint full stop. Biggest argument against ally boats.

 

[ianat182]

Would it be possible/economical to have the prop anodised black/silver, therefore no need to paint. Perhaps a mast-maker like Selden may have a connection, or Google for 'anodic treatments?

 

[LadyInBed]

Paint on aluminum is a sure fire trap for corrosion (certainly when it is above water).
I would leave it bare and maybe polish it.

 

[PeterGibbs]

I have an aluminium propeller where the paint flaked in some places revealing the metal. Last year I had it re-painted by a professional yard, and this year it is even worse.

Please could you let me know what is the best way to repaint it?
What primer do I use directly on aluminium and after that what paint and how many coats?

You abrade the corroded alu surfaces, apply layers of expensive primer, then topcoat and it looks great! Job done! End of next season the corrosion has got even worse. Yup - been there.

Now I take the advice of a prop supplier more seriously - don't both with the above - clean down and apply laquer by brush, several coats. No actually, I am even more heretical than that - I use 3 coats of Hemotite straight on the metal - it doesn't even colour match, but it does a better job than any of the above, with minimal corrosion creep - 12 seasons' experience with a fixed 3 blade Volvo prop!

Sadly, once the original laquer is impaired, you cannot get back to the original condition, but, don't tell anyone I said this - it doesn't actually matter!

PWG

 

[dingdongs]

hammerite smoothe spray.no undercoat required and done my whole merc drive too.

 

[haydude]

Zinc based primer?

I was wondering if a zinc based primer/rust protection would be suitable for a propeller as first coat against metal.

 

[tom52]

I use Hammerite Special Metals Primer on my alloy prop.
Available at B&Q and works ok.