Clean, brighten, and etch aluminum boats & surfaces in just 5 minutes so paint adheres better and lasts longer

Most paints have a hard time sticking to aluminum to begin with. It’s no secret that many pontoon boat manufacturers coat an aluminum finish with wax to protect it. Paint on top of that, and peeling is a promise. Likewise for older aluminum boats if all traces of corrosion and oxidation are not removed completely before painting.

Proper surface preparation is critical to painting success on aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. Etching the aluminum surfaces provides the tooth necessary for primers and finishes to adhere. Aluminum Boat Etch Wash cleaner and conditioner etches the surface then rinses away completely, leaving a surface that’s chemically clean and ready-to-paint, with temporary protection against corrosion and oxidation. Once primed and painted, it helps ensure paint stays put and doesn’t peel. Which helps protect aluminum from oxidation and corrosion and keeps it looking good longer.

Works in a single step, and rinses off easily with water

It’s easy to apply a thin coating of Aluminum Boat Etch Wash using a brush or spray equipment. Keep the surface wet with Etch Wash, and don’t allow it to dry on the surface. For any areas with oxidation buildup, use a Scotch-Brite pad to abrade lightly. After 5 minutes, use fresh water or deionized water to rinse the surface. Rinsing removes Etch Wash completely, as well as any oils and contaminants.

Paint the treated surface immediately before the metal has time to oxidize

After rinsing, you’ll notice that the water runs completely off of the metal surface, with no beading, indicating that the surface is free of contaminants. Dry the surface completely, then apply paint immediately before oxidation sets in, which can happen pretty quickly. Even leaving the boat overnight and painting the next day can cause adhesion problems.

Aluminum Boat Etch Wash Cleaner is compatible with one- and two-part finishes, and can be used above or below the waterline. For example, to protect your aluminum fishing boat, treat the surface with Aluminum Boat Etch Wash, then apply TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Barrier Coat, and finish by overcoating with TotalBoat AlumiPaint AF antifouling bottom paint specifically formulated for pontoon boats and aluminum fishing boats.

Also makes a great pretreatment for polishing aluminum surfaces

Like the look of your bright, shiny toons and wouldn’t dream of covering them with paint? Aluminum Boat Etch Wash marine cleaner and conditioner cleans and brightens dirty, dull aluminum surfaces, and gets them ready for polish.

More Aluminum Boat Etch Wash Details

Pre-treatment and surface conditioner for corrosion protection and better adhesion of paints, glues, epoxies, and other coatings.
Use on bare aluminum, galvanized steel, and other non-ferrous metals.
Reacts chemically with the metal, etching the surface and preparing it for coating.
Removes corrosion, contaminants, and oxidation quickly and easily.
Provides a clean, bright metal surface to which primer and paint adhere strongly.
Great for aluminum pontoon boats, duck boats, fishing boats, and other boats with aluminum hulls or bottoms.
Can be polished immediately after cleaning and brightening to enhance shine.
Compatible with one-part and two-part finishes above and below the waterline.
Non-flammable and chromate-free so it’s not as bio-hostile as zinc chromate primers.
Size: Available in Quart and Gallon sizes.

Collection: Paint

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