So I finally bought my first cat (a Nacra 5.0) which is very exciting. It needs some TLC - but structurally it's good to go. One of the things that I want to fix is the mast - it is currently peeling all the coating/flaking off.
Any ideas on how to/what not to do in terms of getting this to look better?
There is a firm in town that does Soda blasting (like sandblasting but less harsh) that would strip the paint/coating off (is this toxic?). But after that what have people done in the past? Clearcoat the aluminum? Spray paint or anodize (which seems expensive).
I can sail with it as is...but......
Appreciate any thoughts/tips.
Thanks,
Mast Reconditioning?
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Posted: Apr 25, 2010 - 01:30 PM
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Posted: Apr 26, 2010 - 09:48 AM
if you have a choice, anodizing will last the longest.. but YES its gonna cost you to have a 28' (or so) mast done. the next best would be powder coat..
the cheapest and easiest is to paint it with rustolium or similar and could give decent results for a few years.
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Posted: Apr 26, 2010 - 06:35 PM
I just did mine over the weekend. The key to dealing with painting aluminum is the primer. You need to use "zinc chromate" primer. After that I just used Rust-oleum. It looks great, will be easy to touch up and was cheap.
BTW, I'd use a chemical stripper to get the old paint off and then just scuff sand the mast for good adhesion of the primer.
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Posted: Apr 27, 2010 - 12:59 PM
I've used Duplicolor automotive self etching primer as a base on anodized aluminum and it creates an excellent bonding surface for the final spray coat. I did a boom once and just to test the job out lightly struck it with a wrench to see how much of the finish would come off. Almost none till I used a sharper object and then only down to the primer. -
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Posted: Apr 28, 2010 - 10:22 AM
Great thanks.
Now that I know that it can be and has been done - I will go down this path - and take pictures as I go.
Thanks again,
David -
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Posted: Apr 28, 2010 - 06:24 PM
Congrats Atl76! The thread you started helped me as well. I'm going with the 5.7, can't wait. Hope you enjoy yours.
