Painting Aluminum Boat - What Paint?

[crankbait2009]

Hey all

 

I have a 14' flat bottom aluminum jon boat.  It is currently a nasty dark green color.  I am in the process of prepping the inner/outer surfaces so I can paint it a different color.

 

I have searched on a bunch of sites and all of the paint that is recommended is very expensive.  Or at least, more than I want to spend.

 

I dont wanna rob the bank in order to get this boat painted.  As long as the paint holds up and it looks good, is all im concerned with.  I won't have the boat forever but would like to have it look good for the time i own it.

 

I have heard some people say marine grade paint but for the price.....I'd like to pass.  I hear Rustoleum is decent for it, but can't seem to find a site that spells out which product to use.  I hear of urethane based enamel but when I do a google search for it, I can't find anything that a local HD or Lowes would carry.

 

Has anyone ever painted an aluminum boat?  Can you recommend any cheap/good aluminum paint?  spray or roll on, either one.  I have never painted a boat no have I ever applied a clear coat.  id like to do both.

[stew6371]

Make sure to use a self-etching primer our it won't matter what paint you use. Have you checked over at Tinboats.net? You should find your answer there.

[crankbait2009]

Yes I do have the self etching primer.

As for that website, that's where I read about all the more expensive paint as well as zinc oxide paint...

Still unclesr exactly what to buy.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

I have a friend who used the self etching primer, then he used US Army woodland green, it has held up well over the years. He applied everything with a spray gun . 

[stew6371]

I've heard of people using implement paint as well.