The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Finishing painting after several years of storage.

Ok. Several years ago I started a painting project on my aluminum boat. I put an etching primer on and a light top coat. Due to circumstances I was not able to finish it. Can I sand the surface down smooth and put on the last 2 coats and clear coats without worrying about ruining the paint job? I really do not want to start over again.

Thanks

WG69

If the surface looks good, with no lifting, bubbles, or anything else that would indicate what you already put on has failed, I would say it would be good to go.
You didn't say where the boat was stored, so I'm thinking about what other factors that could have ruined the surface. Stuff like oils,chemicals, bird droppings.

A clean surface is what you need, and I can't see it, so you have to determine that.

Dan

Stored outside. I`m gonna sand the finish down, apply a primer and shoot a urathane topcoat and then clear coat. Sound OK? Original paint has no defects...

WG69

Sand or scuff it with a scotch brite pad, either way to get the surface as smooth as needed.
I thought you said it was top coated already, so if you don't sand thru it exposing the primer I can't see why another coat of primer is needed unless the previous top coat is not compatible with the urethane you're going to use.

One thing to remember is too much paint film lends to paint cracking.

Dan

Was the top coat a sealer or base coat paint. On the base coat I would scuff with green scratchy pad on a sealer coat light sand. Myself after that much time I would be more prone to sand, apply a primer sealer and paint what the paint manufacture would recommend. It all really comes down to what you top coated with.
If you have a access to marine urethane they are bullet proof compared to car urethane's, but well worth it. Just make sure you use a good respirator, they can be lethal.