refinishing aluminum rub rail

[shmangasarian]

After a number of tough years the aluminum rub rail is looking pretty scarred. I''m fairly confident about sanding and polishing out the worse bits, but I''m seeking suggestions for how to refinish it. The ultimate solution is to remove it and have it anodized again, but can anyone recommend perhaps a hard epoxy coating I can use after an etching primer. thanks in advance.

chefmango
s/v Enfin, Oxford MD

[merc2dogs]

I''d say use a clear epoxy paint or even varnish, though anything ''painted'' on is going to require periodic upkeep because it will chip off.

Having something as large as that anodized would be expensive, but it can be done at home if you have the room.
either dig a trench in the yard, or build a trough with 1x lumber and line it with plastic sheeting, build it to be able to cover the entire part, fill with your chosen solution and hook up the anodizing leads. sealing afterwards can be done with a steam gun, or hook up a pump to circulate very hot water from a boiler/water heater

ken.