PDQ OWNERS FORUM

The forward window frames of our 2006 power cat had corroded in spots. They were getting to look pretty bad. I went on the internet and researched ways that people have successfully cleaned and painted aluminum window frames and came up with the process listed below. I was able to do the frames in a day. They now look like new. The new white painted areas blend into the unpainted areas perfectly. Here's what I did.

Scrape off the loose flaking paint.
Sand the area with my Fein Multimaster oscillating sander, 150 grit.
Sand with dry 220 grit then 280 grit paper.
Sand with 400 grit wet. Carefully feather edges from bare aluminum to painted areas.
Wash bare aluminum several times using 50/50 mix of white vinigar and warm water.
Let area dry then carefully tape edges. Tape paper at least 1 foot from frames to be painted. 2 feet is better to catch overspray.
Spray 2 light coats of Fastline Etching Primer, gray, FA3XEP.
Spray 2 light coats of Rustoleum Professional Aluminum Primer.
Spray 3 coats of Rustoleum Professional High Performance gloss white enamel.
Remove paper and tape, then smile.

Bob MacNeill
Gusto 2006 #83

Great detail, Bob. I have one of those Fein sanders and it is a great machine.

Did you spray the primers on the entire frame or just the bare metal sections?

Thanks,

Thanks Bob. My 2006 has the same problem and I have been trying to figure how to tackle the job.

Alan

I only sprayed the primers and the enamel on the bare metal area. I feathered it into the painted area. The enamel was a perfect match. I can email pictures of the process. Send me a request at bobmacneill@msn.com.

Bob MacNeill
Gusto

Nice process, Bob. Thanks for the details.

I had to do touch-up's on almost every window frame on our PDQ 2 years ago. My process wasn't quite as elaborate as yours with the multi sanding grades, but it turned out well. However, with the help of a paint specialist at our local shipyard, I tried several high gloss whites, including the paint you selected (Rustoleum Professional High Performance gloss white enamel). I ended up with a different paint that seemed to produce the closest match to the original gloss white. I offer this paint info only as an alternative for others: Epithanes “Yacht Enamel” Ultra White (YEU W 750)