Paint Stainless?

jbarros · #1 (**permalink**) 09-28-2003

Hello,

Oh the joys of owning an old boat with no mfgr support. Well, I just got my new, custom, *cough*$200!!!!*cough* spreaders, made entirely of stainless, and am getting ready to mount them and put my mast back up, but was wondering... should I paint it? or just leave it as is? What do you guys do? why?

Thanks.

-- James

jparker11 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-28-2003

James,

You''re spreaders are probably an austenetic grade of stainless steel such as 304 or 316. These grades are particularly difficult to paint and require good surface preparation and specific paint systems. Also, stainless steel resistance to corrosion is reliant upon good exposure to air. (I point you to pulpit/stanchion performance over decades). Paint would be counter productive. This is especially critical in weld areas.

IMHO, polish them up and show them off!!!

fourknots · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003

jparker is right - don''t paint! You''ll only encourage corrosion and they don''t need it.

pirateofcapeann · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003

Now, if you''d ''a only made ''em outta wood!