Flaking aluminum grab rails

[Reefgeorge]

I have a pair of aluminum grab rails (3/4" or 1" round stock) on the sides of the upper flybridge skirt that look like they were painted and are getting pitted and the paint is chipping off.

How would you prepare them (media blast, grinding, etc) and what would you finish them with (powder coat, Imron, etc)?

Thanks,

George

 

[Cricket]

I would get them blasted and paint them, or if you know a powder coat outfit that knows what they're doing go that route..

 

[Reefgeorge]

Which do you think would produce better results given some of the corrosion/pitting? I have heard some say that PC might not be durable with pitting but neither was paint even when new..

Thanks,

George

 

[SEVEN]

Remove and switch to stainless steel. Aluminum no matter how it's coated corrodes. Just my opinion.

 

[Boatsb]

Screw the pc route. Stainless.

 

[Boatyardbaby]

I have worked for and on Hatteras for years. I have also worked for several boat companys for most of my life. Aluminum grab rails, that is a subject that most owners have issues with is the pitting and the nasty green. The way to do it yourself would be to get a Brillo pad and get rid of the nasty and it will brighten the aluminum, after doing so you would need to do and acid wash to stop any more decay and then with the weather and heat and being outside uses and clear coat for engines. This is if you were going to do it yourself. Pitting you can not reverse you would have to either replace or powder coat to get that new look for the old girl.