My buddy and I picked up a 14' aluminum boat and plan on putting a deck in it. We are both good carpenters and have done this before, so the insides of the boat shouldn't be a problem.

The outside of the boat however is an old, yellow-green-white-brown color. It's good paint that is still sticking fine, but everytime I look at it I throw up in my mouth.  ;D

Can we just scuff this paint and paint over it? Or do we have to strip all the paint and start over? If that is the case? What do we need to buy and what are the costs going to be?

Thanks

You can go either way. Just make sure the paint you spray over the existing paint is compatible with what you allready have on the boat. Otherwise it could lift  or bubble. No lacquer over enamel or vise versa without a sealer.

How can I tell what type of paint is on there right now?

If I were you, I would get some of the paint that you want to try.

Scuff up a small section on the bottom of the boat and apply.

Let it dry overnight or until cured.

Then put a piece of masking tape over the newly painted area and pull it of rapidly.

If no paint comes up with the tape, then scuff and paint the rest.

If the new paint does come up with the tape,  try a different kind of paint using the same procedure.

I will bet that you will find something that will adhere to it.

And yes I do manufacture paint for a living, so I get these questions all of the time.

Brute

any special paint I need to be looking for? Anything to stay away from?

Thanks,