painting my jon boat

[dixie_boysles]

i have a 1985 14' Polar Craft jon boat that i picked up last month.  its a NICE boat, however, id like to paint it for relatively cheap.  Would it be ok for me to use Rustoleum Primer in a rattlecan for this if i clean and sand the boat properly?  Also, i am going to pick up a gallon of Low Gloss Black Enamal Tractor Paint from Tractor Supply to spray over the primer.  Would this be ok?  It relatively cheap since i can get a gallon for $30.

What id like to do is pressure wash the boat really well. then let it dry.  then sand on it and let get all the dust off.  then hit it with the Rustoleum Primer.  Then spray it down with the Enamel.  If i dont do it black, they have a light gray there too.  Which would be best?  Im thinkin Gray, but im not sure. 

If this paint wont do, any suggestions?

[Drakebuster]

Should be okay, When I did mine I used Rustoleum brown primer in the rattle can, but on the keel (v-bottom)  I used a brush on (bought a quart) for a thicker coat, actually a few coats. I found this protects it better from beaching it on sand and mud. I'm assuming your boat is aluminum since you called it a jon boat, remember aluminum is pourus, so you might want to consider 2 coats of primer to ensure a good seal and base coat. If you have any doubt about your primary coat paint, check the label. 

One more thing, when you pressure wash it, I'd stay away from any soap or chemicals. Again the aluminum is pourus and will "soak up" any chemicals. I know a guy that used a stripper on his aluminum, pressure washed it and then primed and painted it. It looked great! 1st trip out, he opened up the 25 hp and never noticed the paint coming off till he pulled it out of the lake. Peeled off all the way to the bare aluminum.

Hope this helps!

[calincalif50]

My first boat was an aluminum 14 ft, I had it sand blasted and then primed and painted.  The paint was a John Deere Green, I had the trailer painted JD Yellow.  Be sure to use a primer designed for aluminum, zinc cromate based if they still make it is designed for aluminum.  Once you have it primed the top coat(s) of paint should adhere well.  Never had a problem with mine peeling

If you have a freiend or access, do your self a favor and spray a clear coat or tow over the paint.  It will make it last a lot longer and make it eaiser to keep clean and waxed/polished

[Bassinkorea]

Be sure to use a primer designed for aluminum, zinc cromate based if they still make it is designed for aluminum.

This is the best advise. Use a primer designed for aluminium and then a compatible top coat.

[dixie_boysles]

where can you get primer made for aluminum?

[calincalif50]

West Marine site. $15.99 per can  (a bit stiff in price)
AWLgrip.com

Several more.  Just google zinc chromate primer

[Drakebuster]

I have heard that about the primer before. Mine has had rustoleum for 6 years now, no issues. I did do some research back when I used the primer and I read that if you don't use the zinc primer and put the boat in salt water or brackish, you will have a "sizzle" issue. Wish I could remember where I read that though.

[dixie_boysles]

will a whole can do a 14' jon boat, if not, i may go with the rustoleum.  also, what kind of sandpaper should i buy grit wise.  i just wanna rough up the finish...

[calincalif50]

One can would definitely NOT do a whole boat, maybe 2-3 cans of spray.  If you can get the rustoleum go with that, as for sand paper probably something greater or equal to 180.  If all your trying to do is roughen the surface 180 would do that without leaving too deep of scratches that the paint can't cover.

Good luck in your process

[dixie_boysles]

i think im going to go pick up 3 cans of Rustoleum Primer and see how it works.  then ill follow that up with something....might even go with rustoleum regular paint over the primer, followe dby some rustoleum clearcoat....what do yall think?

[Drakebuster]

Last time I repainted mine I went through a ton of rattle cans, but then again I camo'd my boat for duck hunting. I'll try to find a pic to put up.