coating aluminum spars?

[ChuckA]

I bought a 1976 Pearson 28 last fall. The boom was algripped (white) about 10 years ago, but the coating is lifting around the hardware, peeling, and abraded in places.

After spraying with PB-Blaster (and sitting in my basement over the winter), applying heat, and persuasion, I've gotten most of the hardware loose.

What is the best way to clean up and restore the boom's appearance? I'm looking for a balance of cost effectiveness, cosmetics, and durability.

I was thinking about powder coating. Anyone have experience with that?

[sailingdog]

Looks like whoever prepped the mast didn't do a very good job of it. If you're going to be keeping the boat for any period of time, I'd recommend stripping the mast and re-painting it after doing a very thorough prep job.

IIRC, Tommays just repainted his mast and boom and can probably give you some good hints on doing a decent job of it.

[ChuckA]

prior spar painting discussions for reference:

After reading tommays epic, the powder coating quotes for my 12' boom ranging from $500 to 700 don't look so bad...

white mast porn
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...mast-porn.html

My Perfection is no longer FUBAR
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...ger-fubar.html

Fixing my defective Interlux perfection
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...erfection.html

My Interlux Perfection Recall FUBAR
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...all-fubar.html

[sailingdog]

I'd point out that most of his problems were due to some bad paint that was sold to him... that should have been recalled. IIRC, they've since gotten that under control again.

[tommays]

I also build Bicycles and had ONE frame powder coated and while its was durable it was still a BIG mistake as they have to get it to HOT

Fortuitously that frame was a made from a simple 4130 Chrome Moly Tube and it did not damage the metal

I would hands down go with Perfection again as the look and durability has been great and it helped sell the boat in about 4 weeks in December

[sailingdog]

Powder coating an aluminum spar might be a problem as the heat could cause the spar to lose its temper. Much of the strength of aluminum spars is due to the special tempering process they undergo, and losing that strength would be a big problem.

[braidmike]

Here is a little done idea: blast it clean and leave the aluminum bare. Several advantages: no prep/paint issues, and the big one, you can see anything going on with the metal. Aluminum oxides to a nice patina gray color. Contrary to popular belief, it does not turn everything it touches black. My boom and mast are 'au naturel' for the last two years and no problems. Not for everyone... just thought I'd throw a diferent idea into the mix.

[ChuckA]

Another reference: step by step spar prep & painting instructions from Tim R. on IslandOwners.com
Sanding A Mast And Boom - Yes Or No - Ask All Sailors Forum

[bluwateronly]

You got some good advise on the repaint. Now, using two different type of screw heads reminds of my old ericson the guy never used the same either, it drove me nuts

[davidpm]

Originally Posted by braidmike

Here is a little done idea: blast it clean and leave the aluminum bare. Several advantages: no prep/paint issues, and the big one, you can see anything going on with the metal. Aluminum oxides to a nice patina gray color. Contrary to popular belief, it does not turn everything it touches black. My boom and mast are 'au naturel' for the last two years and no problems. Not for everyone... just thought I'd throw a diferent idea into the mix.

Is this true?