Ed is correct that painting aluminum is challenging, but it is not impossible. I just did my mast, beams and all of the aluminum components on my Nacra 5.2. I used Awlgrip products and followed their procedures carefully. This involves the use a 'prewash' coat, epoxy primer and then a top coat. I did several videos on the various stages my project went through. Here is one of them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzqTrXFF6yU
These are all very toxic finishes and are generally considered for use by professionals, but I was able to work through the steps quite successfully. My aluminum now is all Jet Gray and looks great. This finish is not as tuff as anodizing, but is seriously good.
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dg
NACRA 5.2 #400
This End Up
Original owner since 1975
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