A sure-fire way to get paint to actually stick to your aluminum boat or pontoons

It’s a universal truth — you can’t just go slapping paint on aluminum and expect it to stick. You need to start with clean, bright, shiny, BARE aluminum that’s completely free of oxidation and surface contamination. It’s also really important to etch the aluminum surface just enough so the paint has something to cling to. We get it, so we developed TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash and TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat. The etch wash cleans, conditions, brightens, and etches the surface to ensure excellent adhesion. The barrier coat primer prevents corrosion and provides superior adhesion for antifouling and other 1- and 2- part paints.

Provides excellent corrosion protection

Corrosion on metal boats and boat parts is a certainty. In saltwater and in warmer temperatures, even stainless steel is subject to crevice corrosion, which forms anywhere water can enter, but can’t exit, such as boat propeller and shaft assemblies. Crevice corrosion also eats aluminum alloys wherever there’s a juncture that lets saltwater enter, such as any place where objects are attached to the aluminum surface above or below the waterline.

The zinc chromate primers used previously have fallen out of favor for use under antifouling paints due to expense and environmental concerns, and you would never have applied them to underwater metals anyway because of galvanic corrosion. TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat prevents corrosion above and below the waterline effectively so your boat — and your paint job — will look better and last longer.

The simple 3 to 1 ratio is easy to mix accurately for optimum results

TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat is easy to mix and use. But if you’ve never applied a barrier coat before, you may want to start with a test batch to hone your technique. Just measure three parts base with one part curing agent in a paint pot. For example, use a graduated cup to measure 12 ounces of base to 4 ounces of hardener, and mix thoroughly. Accurate measuring is easy to do, and it’s important because with smaller amounts of base and curing agent, slight deviations in the mix ratio make a big difference. Don’t be intimidated by this, just be aware of it. Otherwise it’s easy to mix the entire batch at once. Simply pour the can of curing agent into the can of base. There’s enough room in there. No need to grab a separate container for mixing. To prevent waste, mix only the amount of Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat you think you can use before it kicks, which is 5 hours @ 70°F — a long time compared to other products.

Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat Details

Durable, high-build barrier coat epoxy primer prevents corrosion on aluminum (and other metal surfaces)
Safe for underwater metals such as props, shafts, keels, thru hulls, and trim tabs
Can be used as a primer for any 1- and 2-part topside or antifouling paints
Bonus: Each Gallon order includes a paint roller frame, 3/16 in. nap solvent-safe roller cover, metal tray, stir stick, and paint suit
Apply to properly prepared aluminum and previously painted surfaces in good condition**
Use above and below the waterline
Fills small surface imperfections to dry smoothly and evenly
Serves as an effective tie-coat primer so paints adhere strongly and last longer
Two-part epoxy primer has an easy 3:1 mix ratio
Easy to apply by brush, roller, or spray equipment
Fast-drying, with no tedious sanding required
Color: Available in Gray only
Size: Quart Kit includes 1 quart Part A Base and ½ pint Part B Curing Agent
Size: Gallon Kit includes ¾ gallon Part A Base and 1 quart Part B Curing Agent
**IMPORTANT: Always test the previous paint to ensure it is not a 1-component paint

When etching and priming, timing is critical to success

Preparing, priming, and painting aluminum is definitely a DIY job, but there are a few timing factors you should know.

Applying Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat over (Optional) Aluminum Boat Etch Wash

After applying TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash according to directions and drying the surface, you need to apply Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat within 1 hour of metal preparation, or aluminum oxide will form (yes, it happens that fast!), and the primer will not adhere properly.

Recoating Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat with Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat

Overcoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat with itself when the surface is thumbprint tacky—your thumbprint can be seen on the surface, but no epoxy sticks to your thumb. TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat can be recoated over itself for up to 60 days. If that time window is missed, sand with 80-grit sandpaper, and wipe the surface clean with a clean, lint-free cotton rag wetted with TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep , and allow the solvent to evaporate completely. Recoat with Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat.

Overcoating Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat with Antifouling Bottom Paint

For best adhesion, use the ‘thumbprint’ method mentioned above. Overcoat with antifouling paint within the specified time window. If the specified overcoat window for antifouling paint is missed, wait 24 hours and sand with 80-grit sandpaper, then wipe the surface clean with TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep. Allow the solvent wipe to evaporate completely before applying any paint. TotalBoat AlumiPaint AF offers superior protection against fouling on aluminum hulls and pontoons. For underwater metals, apply TotalBoat Outdrive AF antifouling paint.

Overcoating Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat with Non-Antifouling or Topside Paint

Allow 48 hours for Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat to dry, then sand with 320-grit sandpaper. Remove sanding residue with TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep and let flash. Apply topcoat according to directions.

Note: Not meant to fill larger surface imperfections

High-build Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat can fill tiny scratches, but it’s not a filler. For scratches, deformations, dents, and dings 1⁄16” deep or greater, use TotalFair epoxy fairing putty first, then sand smooth and overcoat.