Do I need to remove existing anodizing on a mast before appling etch primer prior to painting?
My yacht mast is covered with many small pit marks in the anodizing, they are not deep but plentiful. ie about 15~20mm apart and on one side of the mast more marked than the other, possibly due to acid rain or similar. I am therefore considering painting the mast. (re-anodizing would be prohibitively expensive)
The anodizing already looks pretty flat, therefore is it necessary to remove it all or only where it is still shiny, and should I flat it down all over with wetndry any way (though not necessarily to remove all the anodizing)?
The mast is 12 Metres in length and weighs around 200kgs. It is presently stored a Birdham Pool Marina near Chichester, West Sussex.
Jules
on February 8th, 2012
you need to at least wetsand the mast get all the shiney spots off or the primer will not stick, then do the same with the primer wetsand.
And then paint it.
Make sure everthing is clean (prep-sol) is the best.
Primer can fill the pits – take your time, the more time spent in primer – the better the paint will look.
Heat2010
on February 8th, 2012
i was in the same position as you a couple of years ago i didnot remove the anodizing and alls still ok now
NoName
on February 8th, 2012
how big is your mast? if practical i would reconmend beadblasting and then acid etchprime then Zinc Rich Powder prime then a Polyester Powdercoat. I am an experienced trade coater and i have done many parts for the marine industry in this spec.