Bracket paint ?

[BillPutney]

I've sanded the Armstrong bracket on my 23 to bear metal, any suggestions as to what to prime/coat with.I would like to not spray if possible although I do have a compressor and a spray gun that I can use .

[fdheld34]

I would powdercoat it!! I have heard you could use awlgrip on aluminum if etched/primed properly.. but no experience with it to give you opinion/advice. I had a bracket on my old Chris Craft powdercoated and it turned out real nice!!!

[Briguy]

I respectfully disagree. I have a powercoated bracket. After 4 months the paint started to bubble. I really don't know why since most often is it lift/trailer stored. I'd go with awlgrip which can be rolled and tipped.

[fdheld34]

could be..although I never had a problem with my powdercoated bracket..guess it all depends how well the preparation has been done for both processes.

[Seacraft84]

I just put 545 on it then yellow alwgrip. Even did non-skid on the top. Holds up good till you rub it on some pilings. Overall I am happy and others seem to like it. Or course sanded before hand.

[BillPutney]

what is 545. I tried white outdrive paint on the bare aluminum followed by a clearcoat of polyurethane just like I used on the outboard . I can scratch it off with my fingernail. I used suzuki motor paint followed up with the poly and it has been as tough as nails. I possibly did not get the bracket as clean/ ie, wiping rags might have had some residual cleaning solvents still present

[BigMike8o9]

When powder coating lures or anything, I have found that the surface has to be just right. If it is too smooth it won't work. So anything aluminum I always get a good blasted finnish. Even rough somewhat because the way the charge build up the coating and adhere much better.
On aluminum I use bead blasting to keep the silica from the sand from adhering and I get the right surface.
I am no expert but without the surfaceing my PC comes off with a nail also.

[CaptLloyd]

It's all in preparing the aluminum.

Before painting bare aluminum, you must "etch" the surface. Use a product like Alumiprep Aluminum Acid Etch Cleaner, Lewis Marine has it, or any good marine store can get it for you.

Second, treat the aluminum with an alodine solution, like Alodine Gold Aluminum Conversion Coating

From this point, use a good quality epoxy primer like Awlgrip 8001, then the paint of your choice.

Good Luck

Lloyd