Repainting a cream metal roof

[SoulFireMage]

I've never repainted a metal boat before, so I've a daft question to ask if anyone can offer some words of wisdom.

The paint is a bit worn, there are some rust bubbles and the whole thing needs redoing.

I'm under the impression that I can sand the bubbles down to metal, feathering it all flat - assuming the rust is fairly shallow-then coat that in primer. As for the whole roof, where there is no rust, I can just use an orbital sander to take off the roughness, muck etc and repaint directly on what's left. Is this the case?

I'd be grateful for any advice!

 

[oldsaltoz]

You need to find out what sort of paint is there now to avoid compatibility problems.

Many steel vessels use and epoxy based paint on the hull and in some cases on the deck as well.

You need ro remove ALL of the rust or you just wasting time, materials and money.

Good luck and fair winds.

 

[srm]

I used to do just what you suggest, prime the bare metal, but only use single pack paint. The single pack paint will go on top of two pack products but not the other way round. As said rust removal is essential, although I had limited success (many years ago, they may have improved) with rust stabilising primers in awkward corners etc. Eventually, you will probably feel the need to shotblast and do a proper paint job with good quality epoxy as patching tends to become an annual chore.

 

[SoulFireMage]

I used to do just what you suggest, prime the bare metal, but only use single pack paint. The single pack paint will go on top of two pack products but not the other way round. As said rust removal is essential, although I had limited success (many years ago, they may have improved) with rust stabilising primers in awkward corners etc. Eventually, you will probably feel the need to shotblast and do a proper paint job with good quality epoxy as patching tends to become an annual chore.

Thank you both - that's what I'll do then