Painting Lower Unit.
 

Working through the light rain here taking off all that old Merc. paint that is all cracked. Have Merc. paint, but wondering if a normal automotive primer will be fine. ???

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...r/DSC02548.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...r/DSC02549.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...r/DSC02550.jpg

Re: Painting Lower Unit.
 

hamster, i would try to locate a high-zinc primer.

Re: Painting Lower Unit.
 

Was hoping to use just some auto primer, I know if I go to West Marine, a can of primer is tripled in price. :(

Re: Painting Lower Unit.
 

probably wont be so bad if its not left in water.
i think that applies more to boats left in the water.

Re: Painting Lower Unit.
 

Hammer's painting again??? Yea, experimenting with paint compatability is a great idea!

Re: Painting Lower Unit.
 

I agree w/ CTT's 1st suggestion about the hi-zinc primer...spend a little more now and ya won't have to do it again next year ;) ...


Are there screens inside the intake vents?...make sure those don't clog up w paint...matter of fact, I'd tape each screen B4 painting...and I AIN'T kiddin' about that ;) ...

Re: Painting Lower Unit.
 

Pikfish, yes, painting again >:(, but spray painting. Brings back memories of my juvenile days. ;D
Heavy down pour, no more work for now.
Thanks REEL, I'll cover those vents up with tape.
Just off the phone with West Marine, they carry a high zinc primer. 16 bucks a can. Guess that isnt to bad.

Re: Painting Lower Unit.
 

Hammer,

I am painting my engine also. Any areas that are down to bare aluminum need to be primed with a self etching primer such as zinc chromate. (yellow/green) I just bought a grey self etching primer for aluminum at a auto paint store which was only about $8.00 a can. If you use the zinc chromate, you only put down a very light coat for best results. If you don't use a self etching primer your paint will not stick properly and you will be painting again shortly. I hope this helps!

Geek

Re: Painting Lower Unit.
 

Hammer:

Take Geekie1 advice. Zinc chroamtic is a pain to shoot with a spray gun and you won't be happy with the finish if its applied wrong. Although I have had better luck with pre-package spray cans, I can never get it to shoot from a gun without "stringing up" on me and making a big mess - immediatley followed by lots of sanding.

Given the price and the difficulties of spraying it, I don't think its worth it on a engine that will be trailered. Use a automotive self etching primer and you'll be fine.


Kamikaze

Re: Painting Lower Unit.
 

Thing looked fine till you started messing with it! ;)

Can't wait to paint my motor, NOT!