Mercruiser engine fixtures painting procedure

[tronic72]

Hi,

I'm reconditioning my 1984 mercruisers and would like to recondition the engine fittings and fixtures (brackets, mounts etc) can some recommend a primer and topcoat/s to do this? Obviously I want it as hardwearing and rust proof as possible. The engines are inboard 350s without stern drives.

Thanks in advance.

[GordMay]

Quicksilver Phantom Black Enamel Spray Paint (#92 802878 Q1) with Green Zinc Chromate Primer Kit or Skyco Ospho.
Or
POR-15 ENGINE ENAMEL with POR15 Metal Prep.

[wingless]

If long-term "permanent" protection of steel and cast iron is desired, then the first step (THE most important step) is preparation. I like to polish the metal to a smooth and glossy surface. Cast iron is an excellent metal for polishing. It can be polished to look like chrome.

Once the metal is smooth and clean, I use Pettit 6455 / 044 Metal Primer, following all instructions. Then I apply several coats of Pettit 4700 / 4701 Epoxy Primer, following all instructions. Then I give a light sanding for a smooth, smooth, smooth surface.

For most projects like this I use Rustoleum Professional High Performance Spray Enamel.

The marine projects that I've completed over a decade ago, that have been floating 24/7/365 in a salt water environment, still have a glossy plastic appearance.

[Cheechako]

If you can find someone to lightly sandblast the pieces that's a great start. That finish gives some "tooth" for the paint to hold. For steel and cast iron, frankly I've not found anything really better than Rustoleum primer and topcoat.

[wingless]

Also, wherever appropriate, ensure that mating surfaces are not contoured or have the dimensions changed by polishing. Also, mask-off mating surfaces before painting when the coating thickness will interfere w/ normal operation.

[a64pilot]

Most good mechanics shops will have a bead blasting cabinet, glass beads are much less aggressive than garnet or "sand".

[tronic72]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your replies. I think the majority of you think the rust-olium is the way to go so I'll give their marine primer and top coat a go.

Any anyone sprayed this paint with success? I read another threat and the guy had issues spraying. I prefer to spray.

All surfaces will be sand blasted prior to painting by myself. Some of the objects are quite rusty so I'll use sand which is more aggressive.

[BruceS]

Don't get caught using sand if you're in Australia!!!

[tronic72]

Originally Posted by BruceS

Don't get caught using sand if you're in Australia!!!

[emoji848]

[tronic72]

Does the rust-olium spray okay?

[wingless]

Originally Posted by tronic72

Does the rust-olium spray okay?

The Rustoleum Professional High Performance Spray Enamel has the best application of any aerosol product that I have used.