Painting a brand new trolling motor (white to black)

[immortl]

I have a brand new Motorguide Xi3 salt water 36" kayak trolling motor with GPS Pinpoint, still in its box.  The salt water version is white, I'd prefer for it to be black (kayak is camo).

 

Any recommendations/warnings for paint type and/or prep?  Based on my research so far, it seems I ought to use an epoxy type paint?  I'm also not sure if I would need to sand parts (360 grit?) first or not?  Generally that seems to be a recommended first step, but I'm wondering if the current factory new finish would actually be OK for the new paint to adhere to, sort of like I'm just adding another coat or 2 of paint...

 

Thanks!

[GaryH]

What is the power head case made of ? If it’s plastic I would use paint made for plastic and follow the directions on the can.  Same for the shaft. Whatever it is made from use the appropriate paint and follow the directions 

[Motoboss]

There’s no reason you can’t repaint it. Although the plastic parts; head, bottom cover, shaft collar etc, are impregnated color (formed with a white pigment) and should be painted with a “plastic friendly “ product such as Krylon Fusion. 
The metal parts, just spray with a product like Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy paint, several coats each and should be good to go.

 

In the prep on the metal parts I would start with a GREEN scothbrite pad then 220 grit if needed (doubtful). Remember, just a light smooth scuff of the factory finish is all that is needed, clean well with acetone and paint.  

The plastic I would just use a RED scothbrite pad (or green if needed) clean with a 80% water-20% isopropyl alcohol and a drop of dawn dish soap solution, drying throughly.

All your trying to do is create a textured surface, dulling the factory shine, for the new paint to adhere to so watch too aggressive sanding.

 

I’ve painted many similar exterior component products without any issues (but nothing submersible for extended time as a trolling motor would be). However after extended use at worse you'd have to touch up, no big deal.

 

Take your time, GOOD PREP IS IMPERATIVE and give plenty of drying time.

[immortl]

Thanks guys, appreciate the guidance.  I'll give it a go and will let you know how it turns out.

[Motoboss]

On 1/22/2023 at 4:39 PM, immortl said:

Thanks guys, appreciate the guidance.  I'll give it a go and will let you know how it turns out.

And the results are…………?

[immortl]

Been waiting for warmer weather to paint it outdoors.  And I'm the caretaker for folks around here and free time has been non existent.  Wife was in hospital for 8 days with what turned out to be a lung infection/abscess and is now home but I administer IV antibiotics to her several times a day for a few more weeks. A day after she was discharged my mother had a fall and went into the hospital for a week and is now in PT rehab center, then there is my dad to take care of too and the regular day job.  Very thankful I work from home.  I'll definitely follow up on this post (and my others) as I actually do the work.  Right now my escape is thinking of and planning my projects.  Few more weeks I should maybe be able to eek out a little time to work on them.

 

Thanks,

Joe

[Motoboss]

Any progress?

[immortl]

Not much.  Whenever I think I'll have time to work on it, something/someone else comes up.  It's a little rough with free time, mom requires a lot more hands on care until she gets her knee replaced.  Outside of the daily caretaking I have to do for parents and wife, I've told folks that there are no more favors/other projects for the next several weekends until I get my kayak rigged up.  May bring it into the house so I can work on it in evenings or despite  weather. 

 

I did unpack the motor on Friday and stared at it for 5 minutes and started thinking about how to best mask portions off.  Undecided about the branding stickers, will probably remove them carefully and see if they stick back on, otherwise will forego them.

 

I have to run down to Alabama the latter half of this week and when I get back I am hoping to carve out time to work on the kayak.  I have a massive pile of parts and stuff built up around here.  At a minimum, I want to take it out as is and get a feel for it.

 

[Darth-Baiter]

i'm no expert..but i think it would be easier to paint the kayak and make it look better.

 

i would learn to live with the white, personally.  i think it might look good initially, but wear and tear and parts moving and sliding, it wont down the road.  

[Bankc]

Yeah, anything that rubs against anything else won't hold paint long.  And anytime you scratch it against something, the white paint will show through.  I probably wouldn't worry about it.  But if you're insistent, then just be prepared for scratches and wear marks.  As noted, the plastic is impregnated with the color when molded, so while a plastic paint will stick to it, it won't be nearly as durable.  

 

As for the stickers, get some naphtha and soak them in that.  It should release the adhesive and allow them to come off.  Just peel carefully, and allow time for the naphtha to soak in and work its way under the sticker.  You might need to reapply some adhesive to get them to go back on.  Maybe try a waterproof, permanent bond spray glue?  Something like 3M Hi-Strength 90?  Or better yet, just see if you can buy new stickers.  

[GaryH]

Just a thought. If the color really bothers you take the TM to a wrap shop and have them wrap it in the color you want. They can also put the decals on that you want. 

[WRB]

New in box, exchange it for the black model.

Tom

[detroit1]

I would just leave  it  white. You got alot going on...

[immortl]

Alrighty folks, I'm back from AL as of last night.  Good trip overall, extended by a day for a visit to the ER for the wife.  Always something coming up.  Since I was traveling all day, didn't get to work on the kayak yesterday.

 

I appreciate all the good ideas and call outs above.  I bought the white motor as it is rated for saltwater.  While I have no immediate plans for saltwater use (and man, that clip making the rounds of the shark 'tasting' that kayak/paddle makes me think there really won't be any in the near future) I wanted to keep the option open.  So no returning it for a black one.

 

I really do want to get this kayak 'put together' and get out fishing on it.  The  planning process has gone on way to long, even by my standards.   I think I may just leave it as is for now and focus on getting things mounted so I can test it all out and make adjustments to the layout as necessary.

[Motoboss]

On 5/22/2023 at 1:31 PM, immortl said:

Alrighty folks, I'm back from AL as of last night.  Good trip overall, extended by a day for a visit to the ER for the wife.  Always something coming up.  Since I was traveling all day, didn't get to work on the kayak yesterday.

 

I appreciate all the good ideas and call outs above.  I bought the white motor as it is rated for saltwater.  While I have no immediate plans for saltwater use (and man, that clip making the rounds of the shark 'tasting' that kayak/paddle makes me think there really won't be any in the near future) I wanted to keep the option open.  So no returning it for a black one.

 

I really do want to get this kayak 'put together' and get out fishing on it.  The  planning process has gone on way to long, even by my standards.   I think I may just leave it as is for now and focus on getting things mounted so I can test it all out and make adjustments to the layout as necessary.

Makes the most sense. Use what you have and you might find you like the white color as an accent to your kayak. Color isn’t affect the performance.
Get it mounted and get it on!

 

Good luck