Powder coat Bow Pulpit ?

[Dustoff44]

I had just removed the Bow pulpit to get the old Ideal windlass out.
The windlass will be sent to Ideal for a rebuild. My question is what is the best coating for the cast aluminum pulpit. I am considering having it powdercoated. I was told to just paint it with a product called POR 15 Another option would be sand blast and clear coat.

Any suggestions ?

 

[mike]

I would Paint; use POR 15, followed by an epoxy prime coat, followed by a good LPU topcoat. For the LPU I use Interlux Interthane Plus, it can be brushed, rolled or sprayed, or rolled and brush tipped. The product lies down very well with a brush, just follow the directions and use multiple thin coats. When cured it is very durable and hard as a rock.
I have found that some types of powder coating will allow rust or corrosion to migrate and form on the base metal under the topcoat if it is damaged by chipping and such. Where as LPU can be touched up because any surface damage is typically limited to the immediate area, assuming the cleaning, base metal preparation and prime coat were performed as specified. Mike
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[Nonchalant1]

Don't use powder coat. Some types are actually porous. POR-15 is great, flexes some without cracking, lasts for decades, but VERY hard to sand smooth if you don't get it to lay down smoothly when applied, so really smooth surface prep before is important. I'd start with POR-15 as a first coating.

BTW - check your deck to be sure it still has a dry, stiff core. Some pullpit seals leak and th e core turns into boat soup and needs replacing.

Doug

 

[jim rosenthal]

I would go with painting as noted above. POR15 is NOT UV resistant, but it is incredibly durable and will not permit metal to rust or corrode under it. They make an etching primer called "Metal-Ready" that helps prepare the surface for POR15, which is a moisture-catalyzed urethane, I think. You have to overcoat POR15 with a two-part paint with UV blocking capability, but once done, the pulpit should be good for many years to come. POR15 is also very tough- you can beat it with a hammer, etc, it will not come off. It will also NOT come off your hands or your skin, except by the natural process wherein the outer layer of your skin turns over. This takes about three weeks. I speak from experience. Wear gloves. They have a web site, and also advertise in Hemmings etc. The stuff is as good as they say, it is tough as nails.