How to Paint the Aluminum Siding of a Pontoon Boat

Pontoon boats are flat-bottomed boats that are typically built on top of large aluminum cylinders. They are popularly used as recreational vessels because they are easy to operate, affordable, and less expensive to insure than other types of boats. The flat-bottomed design makes them nearly impossible to sink, so they are great for beginning boaters. Like all watercraft, they require routine maintenance, as constant exposure to the sea can wear down the glossy finish. While repainting the siding on a pontoon boat is relatively simple, it does require the use of hazardous chemicals, so proper safety precautions should be taken.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves Goggles Respirator Power sander Medium and low grit sandpaper Acidic aluminum cleaner Hose Paint sprayer Two-part primer Marine enamel

Instructions

1. Wear protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles and a respirator. This project involves hazardous chemicals, and should be performed in an enclosed area that features proper ventilation.

2. Sand away the existing paint using a power sander and medium grit sandpaper. This not only removes old paint and corrosion, but roughs up the surface so that it can accept the new paint.

3. Wash the aluminum using an acidic "self-etching" aluminum cleaner, which can be sprayed on to the surface. Rinse the boat thoroughly using a hose before proceeding.

4. Prime the siding using a two part latex primer, which can be sprayed on using a paint sprayer. If you decide to apply two coats, allow 4 to 6 hours between coats to allow the primer to dry.

5. Sand the primed surface lightly to prepare it for painting. Use your power sander again, but this time use a lighter grit sand paper. Sand gently so that you merely rough up the surface of the primer instead of sanding it away.

6. Apply a marine enamel type paint using your paint sprayer. Most pontoon boat owners apply several coats of paint to achieve the desired effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid applying paints that are high gloss. They are too difficult to apply properly without using professional tools.