Edson Pedestal and Wheel Painting

[Richincident]

I realize that the old thread may have too much going on. Lets try just this question. I now have the Edson wheel and pedestal from THE INCIDENT standing in my garage. I KNOW it will take 800 or so in parts to reinstall it, and I am fine with using the tiller for the forseeable future.

BUT while I have the pedestal handy I want to paint it. Edson says 2 part paint. I got that. However what about something like Easypoxy or Brightside? Anyone done any painting on Edson wheels? What about the wheel itself? Paint or strip it bare?

THANKS for your advice as usual. I know many of us are out there sailing, and lets face it, I will be too as much as possible, but if you have a chance add to this thread!

[Tim]

I think it matters less what the final paint you choose is, and more how you prepare the aluminum to accept the final paint.

Success or failure of any paint you choose to apply will depend entirely upon how effectively you clean and prepare the aluminum pedestal. Any shortcuts, and the paint is sure to fail again, and soon. Aluminum is tricky this way.

Given the age of your pedestal, and the likely condition of it (probably plenty of old bubbling paint and powdery aluminum corrosion), you're going to have to work pretty hard to prepare it for new paint. This means cleaning, sanding, etching, chromic conversion, appropriate metal primer (typically a zinc chromate type), primer, and paint.

Frankly, though, if you're going to this much effort anyway, why not apply the 2-part? It'll be a good learning experience, and the 2-part will hold up longer and better (assuming the prep was appropriate).

[Richincident]

Tim! GREAT reply. My pedestal doesn't have any bubbling, but the paint is pretty much all weathered away. Someone suggested I just trade it in, that a new one wouldn't be all that much more.

Nuts to that idea I say! BUT I am going to have to look up what you said to understand some of the steps. Also, IF Chuck at Edson is to be believed (no one does, so I am now dubious myself) this pedestal COULD be bronze. The base plate was mild steel and though the pulleys look pretty good, it is clear that a new base plate is in the cards. I will start cleaning the pedestal up for painting, doing the sanding, etc. and see what it looks like underneath. Sure LOOKS like Aluminum to me!

THANKS for your reply!

[Tim]

It'll be easy to determine if your pedestal is bronze or aluminum.

If it looks like aluminum and feels like aluminum (i.e. light), then it's aluminum. Bronze will be heavy and obviously look like bronze. To be sure. sand an area bright. There's no way to confuse the two metals if you compare bright appearance and weight.

Even if you don't use Awlgrip products, check out this preparation guide for painting aluminum surfaces. It's the best online description of several different, effective processes.