Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: painting outboard
Posted by Tom C2 on 11/28/15 - 2:47 PM
#1
My project for the next month or so is to paint the 60 HP 1988 Johnson on my 1988 15 SS. The motor is in excellent mechanical condition but the paint is peeling and chipped on the lower unit and in poor shape on the cowl. I will paint it while the motor is still mounted on the Whaler. Would like input from others that have attempted this project and their failures and successes. Also what products they used and what procedures. The weather will be against me but I have a garage , will use rattle cans for the project and am not in a hurry. Any input will be appreciated. Tom
Posted by Garage Dog on 11/28/15 - 5:03 PM
#2
Tom, I have not painted my outboard yet but I have used Rust-O-lum 2X on several projects. The 2X seems to finish MUCH better than the regular Rust-o-lum rattle can stuff. If you spend a little time with some prep it should turn out fine. The 2X really lays on nicely and leaves a beautiful finish...WAY better than any other rattle can I've used in the past. Painting my outboard is one projects on my list and I'm going to use the Rust-o-lum 2X! I'm sure there are better paints that could be used but for a rattle can job it should be fine.
Posted by Phil T on 11/28/15 - 8:36 PM
#3
I recall reading where members repainting their outboards with good success.
The products used included self etching primer and OEM paint rather than standard rattle can. I'll see if I can research the information.
Posted by arcadiainc on 11/29/15 - 4:27 PM
#5
I used refrigerator enamel (spray can). I use white so I have never checked to see if other colors are available. Use an undercoat designed for aluminum. Use quality decals. I have painted an older 9.5 OMC and a 35 HP OMC with very good results. I also have a 1995 Johnson 130 HP. This one I had an auto body shop paint with two stage auto paint and it has held up well.
Posted by tedious on 11/30/15 - 5:41 AM
#6
Tom, I redid the cowl on my Johnson 70. I used conventional automotive filler on the dings and dents, followed by rattle can primer. For topcoat, I got the OMC paint specifically made for that year of motor - I think you can look it up in the parts list at marineengine.com, among other places.
The job came out very well - not show quality, but it looked excellent for a 25-year-old motor.
Tim
Posted by Tom C2 on 12/04/15 - 1:42 PM
#7
Thanks to all who offered suggestions and encouragement. If anyone has painted their motor while it was mounted on the boat I would like to hear from you. Hope to get started in a week or so. Tom
Posted by dgoodhue on 12/06/15 - 8:15 AM
#8
I painted my motor this year with spray cans. I had to remove my power head for repair, so I pulled the motor to paint it. It came out pretty good, and I think it looks really good for 26 year old saltwater motor. I used some primer I bought at home depot and Evinrude paint. I think I used 6 cans of paint. I could had done a better job if I pulled the motor apart further (separating the tilt trim and stripped the low cowling cover.) Obvious this does not help you if you are painting the motor on the boat.
Some one had touched up my motor previously, but it had some over spray on the hull by the trim and tilt, plus they painted over the rust in the trim and tilt so it looked crappy and the mid section paint was splotchy.
One thing that took me a lot longer than I expecting was degreasing all the oil all over the engine. I ground down the corrosion on the lower cover and trim and tilt. It actually took my a good 3x to 4x times than I was expecting to paint my motor.
I painted my engine cover 4 years ago earlier. The paint at that time decals were pealing and I when I went to remove them the paint peeled off and chip. I tried to sand it smooth and I was never happy with it. This time (after a couple different attempts) I found that my paint where it was chipped came off very easy if I used a razor blade where it has start to chipping. One my engine cover, I had a paint run. I ended wet sanding it to fix my paint mistake. I realized after doing that, the paint came out a lot nicer. I wish I wet sanded the mid section but I had already put my motor back together.
Edited by dgoodhue on 12/06/15 - 8:18 AM