1st time Painting/Decal Questions

[RickV]

Hi,

This is my 1st attempt at restoring the exterior of a boat motor, just joined the club last week.   I collect old fishing lures and made the mistake at looking at a few vintage motors from the auction catalog.  So caught the bug real quick and purchased 5 low end vintage motors in the last 2 weeks.

I am getting closer to getting ready to spray paint 2 of the motors.  (1955 Johnson CD-12  5.5 HP and 1949 Johnson QD- 10  10 HP)

• I power washed these 2
• Degreased them with Simple Green
• About 50% done with sanding them with Grade 120, some by hand and some by my orbital palm sander

Here are my questions and appreciate any help:

1. Best place to buy the decals ?
2. Should I put a coat of primer on the entire motor 1st ?  or no primer needed ?
3. Best paint to buy from a spray can ?  I like the gloss look even though not the original look of the motor so was going to buy both satin and gloss and test out on a sample piece
4. From watching utube, it says put on 3 coats  (1st coat light, then sand lightly , then 2nd coat, sand lightly, then finally a 3rd coat)  Does that sound correct ?
5.  Should I clear coat it , if so , what brand, etc. ?
6.  Really like the color of this motor, would be nice to buy something close ? Vintage Johnson 1954 3HP Outboard Motor Model JW-10 | eBay

Is there anything I’m missing as far as the steps I am taking, trying not to make rookie mistakes

Thank you for any help

Rick V.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• This topic was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by RickV.

[Buccaneer]

Did you read through the “Paint and Decals” forum?
Some good information.
I’ve used Dixie’s Decals several times, and found them
top quality.

https://www.aomci.org/forums/topic/sources-for-vinyl-outboard-decals/

Prepare to be boarded!

[RickV]

Thanks for the tips, did not even see the “Paint and Decal Forum” on the site until you mentioned, much appreciated

[bob-d]

Just Google outboard paint, and a few suppliers will come up.
I second the vote for Dixie’s decals. Very accurate. NY Marine decals are good as well.
I would give the entire area a coat of primer and sand that. Remember to use a good self etching primer . Rustoleum is good if you sand the original finish to bare aluminum. If you don’t go down to bare metal Rustoleum also makes a good high build primer .  The primer will give you an even color surface to apply your color topcoat on. This is especially important on a white cowling. You shouldn’t have to sand the topcoat if you are starting off with a good smooth base after applying primer and giving it a final sanding with 400 grit.
The topcoat paint that most outboard suppliers provide has a decent sheen which I feel mimics the original finish that the engines left the factory with. Thats the look I try to obtain when I restore a motor. I don’t care for clear coated restored motors. Just too glossy for me, but that’s just my personal opinion.

Bob D

[RickV]

Bob,  Thanks for all the good info, much appreciated

[Mumbles]

One important thing about painting is to try and use the same brand of primer and color coat and always check to see if they are compatible. Using products from different manufacturers can cause a whole lot of heartache.

[RickV]

Yes, will make sure from the same brand/company,  Thank you

[Mumbles]

Speaking of clear coat, the first two photos here are of a ’55 CD which was painted using automotive base/clear. The next two photos are of a ’55 CD which wasn’t.  You decide.

[RickV]

Piece of ART, very nice Job.   Was the clear coat from a spray can ?  was it Gloss ?

1 user thanked author for this post.

Mumbles

[gschnelzer]

Outstanding restoration Mumbles.  Do you media blast all the old paint off?

1 user thanked author for this post.

Mumbles

[Author]

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