I've got the boat completely apart, i don't think it is feasible to re-anodize the beams butt while I have it apart i would like to make them look better. Is paint an option?
A guy I know told me that he painted his mast. He said that he used the same type of paint that they use on aircraft. It looked great and he told me that it was really durable. I am not sure of a brand name.
The paint is awl-grip. IT is the same as they use on yachts. Two part system that can be brushed but has a better finish sprayed with a airless spray gun.
To do the beams you need to sand them down and prime them with an approved primer. Of course you need to remove everything from the beams first. Also, you need to use a dewaxer before you start to sand and between every step sand, prime, paint to remove any wax, sweat, etc.
If you don't the paint will peel as it did not bond to the metal. You can use an etching primer to bond even stronger and if I where taking the time to do it that's what i would use.
Awlgrip comes in about 70 different shades and colors so you can do just about anything you want. Also, if your doing the beams you might as well do the mast it isn't that much more work.
Good luck
Steve
look around and find a place that powder coats. it is the cheapest alternative. awl grip, imron and the other good lp paints and related bits are damn costly.
Eric, Use Awlgrip Marine paint with a special self etching primer for aluminum. The primer and paint are really expensive and you may have to buy 1 gallon kits of each. The total cost could easily be $250.00.
Bill
