Posted: 18 Jan 2008 at 6:38am
Hi all
We have an inquiry regarding our experiences, if any, with painting old aluminum masts. Some of my sources advise that they wish they had not done it. Any imput appreciated.

Ron
Marionette


Posted: 11 Feb 2008 at 11:02pm
Fellow sailors, I had an O'Day Dolphin in the 702 and painted her mast and boom white. Can't recall the details. Then I bought a little 16' swing keel day sailer. Her mast had been gouged somehow. I had the gouge welded up and sanded smooth. Then I sanded the whole mast and boom with moderate grit sandpaper, to remove burrs and scratches. I acid etched the aluminum with a product from West and painted both the mast and boom by hand with a brush. I seem to recall that I put two coats on. It worked very well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the process.

Hope this helps.
Dick Galland