painting my running gear

[furball]

I decided to try a zinc paint on the running gear this year. I don't know yet how well it's going to work but I sure like the way it looks

Last years paint job didn't last long and probably wasn't the correct paint anyway so this year I'm trying something new. Anyone try this zinc based paint before?
Planning to splash Thursday
John

[Carl]

John, Who makes it? I have never heard of it. I have been useing Trilux 33, but am not impressed. This year I am putting on a few extra coats to see if it will last longer. I do know that 3 coats dont last past June/July. If nothing else you have created a lot of zinc protection!

[craw_daddy]

I think there needs to be a barrier coat of a non-mettalic paint between the bare metal & the antifouling paint you applied, otherwise you will advance/accelerate the corrosion in teh metal areas (electrolysis) you are trying to protect.

[furball]

Carl,
I don't remember the MFG but I'll find out. The marina I haul at has been using it for a couple of years with numerous boats. There were several in the yard to look at that were done last year. It seems to provide good results.
As far as accelerating corrosion, I think I made the mistake last year, painting with the same bottom paint I used on the hull. That has quite a bit of copper in it I believe. Probably not a good choice. The zinc based spray is a less noble metal so direct contact with the metal should be a good thing, just like a zinc anode. I'm speculating of course, but it seems logical.
I'll know more in July/August.
John\

[RobS]

John,
Whadya do to get the metal down to bare metal?

[furball]

Lot's of elbow grease, 80 grit sand paper and a couple of wire wheels on my electric drill. I hope the effort was worth it.
John

[RobS]

Lot's of elbow grease, 80 grit sand paper and a couple of wire wheels on my electric drill. John

I was afraid you'd say that....

It sure does look pretty

[jcollins]

I just ordered the Propspeed product. I'll start today with sanding the rudder and then apply next week.
John - Did you use the 80 grit on the prop too?

[furball]

A couple hours work by hand, not really that bad.
before

after

made a few more passes with 100 grit just before painting, Did prop,rudder and tabs.
John, application is everything with propspeed. Be sure to follow directions exactly. When I bought my Albin, the propspeed was on it's second year and the gear was completely clean in early Sept when we hauled it prior to our sea-trial. not a barnacle anywhere moving water flowed over and very few elsewhere. If the zinc paint doesn't work, I may go back to propspeed. the price and the application kept me away this year.
Do you have help for the application? Sounds like a pretty tight time table for one person.
John

[jcollins]

Do you have help for the application? Sounds like a pretty tight time table for one person.

Hi John,
No, I don't. But, I'm going to prepare the surface w/ 80 grit and acetone instead of using the Prop Prep product. The guy at propspeed suggested it.
After cleaning, and within 4 hours, the next step is to apply the etching primer. 10 minutes to touch dry. Then apply the clear.
My plan is to start with the prop, move on to the rudder. I should be well within that 10 minute window. After that I'll move on to the tabs. I've never had more than a few barnacles on the tabs. The rudder has always been painted so none there. My reason for doing this is more for the performance benefit. Hopefully it will be worth the 220.00.

[Elizabeth Ann]

I don't remember the MFG but I'll find out.

Have you found out what brand you used?

[furball]

Sorry for the delay,
The paint MFG is Pettit.
The link to it is
http://www.petitprod.com/fileshare/prod ... 179320.pdf
or try
http://www.petitprod.com/catalog_browse.asp?ictNbr=120
My marina carries it but they have a dealer search on their website as well.
John

[Elizabeth Ann]

Thanks John,

How many cans of paint did you need for the prop and rudder? And how did you get a spray application to look so nice?

[furball]

It was 1-1/2 cans including the trim tabs. Used some discarded shrink wrap taped around to prevent the over spray. Did two coats and that was it. Pretty much self levels. Didn't need to sand or anything between coats. My kind of paint job.
John

[fairtide]

I used the Pettit spray product last year and maybe I did not use enough of it. It was okay, but not as good as I hoped for, considering the cost of a can of that stuff. I still have some left, so I'll give it another try this year. Each year can differ in marine growth, the use of the boat also a consideration. The zinc will act as a thin anode if in contact with the bronze it is used to cover.