Best thing to paint fuel tank with?

[Hardways]

Just had new fuel tank fabricated for 24 offshore. want to paint before install. Any advice on what to use would be helpful. Someone told me zinc chromate? Iwas going to use rustoleum. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Scott W.]

Zinc Chromate

I recently replaced my 1991 228G Seafarer's 93-gallon tank with a brand new custom made aluminium tank. I consulted with many marine experts and all recommended the application of three thin coats of Zinc Chromate instead of "powder coating", which is not usually sold in local hardware and paint stores. So I ordered four spray paint cans from on online distributor. Just Google Zinc Chormate and you'll be able to locate the same. Don't forget to glue neoprene rubber strips to the bottom of the tank with 3M 5200 where the tank sits on the hull's tank support pads. This will prevent corrosion in these areas.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Do you have to prime before the paint? If yes, what kind of primer?

 

[gw204]

When the time comes to put new tanks in my boats, they will first get chemically etched and then will be painted with 2 or 3 layers of Interprotect.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

When the time comes to put new tanks in my boats, they will first get chemically etched and then will be painted with 2 or 3 layers of Interprotect.

The Formula tank is coated with resin.

 

[gw204]

When the time comes to put new tanks in my boats, they will first get chemically etched and then will be painted with 2 or 3 layers of Interprotect.

The Formula tank is coated with resin.

From what I can seen of mine, it looks like they coated it with dirt. :lol:

 

[enfish]

Do you have to prime before the paint? If yes, what kind of primer?

Zinc chromate is a primer.

 

[Grog]

I used awlgrip then rolled on cold tar epoxy. Be careful with the primer, not all paints will stick to Aluminum.

 

[drbatts]

I used coal tar epoxy when i did my whaler tank a few years back.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Do you have to prime before the paint? If yes, what kind of primer?

Zinc chromate is a primer.

So, do i have to do any prep work on the aluminum tank before paint/primer ?

 

[richie rich]

NEM, you need to etch the aluminum...both Interlux and West System make an aluminum etch or etch/primer...once its on, you're on the clock to epoxy paint or coal tar paint....you'll have about an hour or so after etching to get the first coat of epoxy or CT on.

 

[enfish]

Do you have to prime before the paint? If yes, what kind of primer?

Zinc chromate is a primer.

So, do i have to do any prep work on the aluminum tank before paint/primer ?

My experience with it was repainting an outdrive. A light sanding, followed by a wipe down with acetone before painting worked well. Richie Rich's method is probably better. You need to make sure you remove the oxide layer before painting and make sure you paint before the oxide layer forms again. I'm not sure how well the zinc chromate would hold up without a top coat on it.