DaySailer.org Forum

I have been lurking about the docks here for awhile. I gave in and signed up today, waaayyyyyy to much info here not to join.
I also closed the deal on a Daysailer II today. I am not new to sailing or O'Days, I have previously owned a Daysailer I and a Javalin. My last boat was a Hunter 25, but I am back to lake sailing now so I had to downsize.
Back to my question. Has anyone had any luck painting an annodozed mast? I would like mine to be black. I have always been told that no paint will not stick to an annodized alunimum surface.
Thanks for reading this and any answers you reply with. I look forward to my time here.

I watched a home show on TV and in it they were painting some aluminum screen frames. Before they painted they used some kind acid or something to etch the metal so that the paint would stick. Don't know if it helps you any, but you might go to your local paint shop (sherwin willams, or porter) and ask them. I don't think home depot will be much help. Might cost to much but powder coating would be nice and tough

Prior to painting aluminum evestroffing I was always advised to wipe it down with white vinegar.

I am not sure if anodized makes a difference, but I think it would be worth a try.

Check out awlgrip, it might be on the pricey side but it should hold up for many many years.
http://www.awlgrip.com/awlgrip_pages/ap ... ater.htm#4

I just got my Boatworks magazine in the mail the other day, and browsing through it after reading your post, I found an ad on page 68 for Varikolor. the ad states that it will adhere to amoung other things, aluminum, low grade plastic and rubber. It can be brushed or sprayed, and comes in high gloss, semigloss and matte. It is a bit pricey at $98/quart. www.parasolinc.com

Congrats on buying your boat! I hope you'll join the Day Sailer Class Associaition. We're in need of enthusiastic members like you.

The dues are low - $35 a year,
Membership entitles you to receive the Current Directory,
hardcopies of the Class Handbook, four issues of the Day Sailer Quarterly and Class decal for the transom; class voting privileges, participation in
National, Regional, and Inter-Regional regattas and other benefits.
It also helps support efforts such as the promotion of the boat, and this website.

http://daysailer.org/pdf/dsaapp.pdf

Osphlo is a chemical sold for etching by aviation companies. It is bluegreen and usually comes in a quart bottle. Its pricey but goes a very long way. It also removes rust from Iron - in a few hours. I did my whole trailer with one-third of a quart. It will only remove superficial rust. If the rust is deep you still need the grinding wheel.

It is also used to etch aluminum before painting. You can get it at any aviation supply co. I use aircraftspruce.com

Be careful - wear goggles and gloves - Its bad Stuf if you get it on you. I usually just buy a disposable brush, paint it on, wait about 2 hours, flush with a mix of water and muriatic acid. and Paint! Its a lot of work but it gets the job done.