TOPIC: Engine/Outdrive paint

As displayed on the 70s Disco site, I continue to work my way through my boat’s components.
Nicer weather has finally arrived in the northern Midwest which has me thinking about painting engine and outdrive components.
I am an amateur but with some experience painting a couple cars, and numerous machines over the years.
I was a Dupont user of Centari and a little Imron. (Now spun off to a new company Axalta)

I'm only looking to spray a quality Mercruiser Phantom Black shade of color but want more than a rattle can offers.

For you Professional (and daring Amateur) boat restorers, what are you using for paint these days?

Acrylic Enamel or Acrylic Urethane or Polyurethane or Epoxy? Other?
Single stage or 2 stage (base/clear) or perhaps Single Stage with Clear?
What are you etching and priming aluminum with? (Freshwater use)

Do you have experience/thoughts with any of these brands?
PPG $$$$
BASF $$$
Pro Spray $$
Wanda $$
Sterling $$
Restoration Shop $$

Perhaps you outsource your work to local paint/body shop.

Thoughts please.....

Hello Larspar,
I’d put myself in that adventurous amateur category and have used those same Dupont products previously.


On my last engine recoat I stayed with Axalta and the Nason system with fine results.

www.fiberglassics.com/forum/mercury-outpost/132327-inline-six-power-tilt-trim.html?start=40#139993

Thanks,
Terry

Terry thanks for the link.....got sucked in and ended up reading the entire thread, start to finish.

You've had quite a journey with Mercury Heads, Trim packages, steering cables...... Exceptional work with show quality results.

Looks like the Nason Urethane has held up remarkably on Mama Mia!.

Next, I have to find a supply shop that sells the Axalta Nason product line.

I know you said youre not looking for rattle can but i just used Vintage Marine Paint on my 58 Johnson…excellent color match and so far, good adhesion. Not sure if they make the color youre looking for but worth checking out….