Marinette Boat Forum

Carl,

This is just my 2 cents...

Etching is a chemical process which removes the oxide layer from the surface of the aluminum, allowing paint to adhere to the metal.

One product for this is Sherwin Williams dual etch. Available through their automotive division and you probably have to order it in store. Other companies offer equivalent products.

The process is to spray the chemical on with a weed sprayer or Windex bottle and keep the surface wet for 5 minutes, spraying twice if necessary so the layer does not dry. Two people with sprayers would make this easier. Let surface sit 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with a hose. Now relax. Hull is etched. When it is dry, begin painting.

Couldn't think of it before but just remembered - Keystone Automotive also carries an aluminum etch product that will work for this.

Carl,

The picture is small and grainy so you can't tell - but I do have a navy blue boot stripe just like most s do. It needs another touch-up but it is very easy to do. Taped it off with blue painter's tape and used a mini roller with Rustoleum marine topside paint.

Eliminating the boot stripe certainly wouldn't harm anything though.

There is a lot of Marinette's out there that got rid of the boot stripe when repainting. It would definitely cut down on taping.