Reply To: 1st time Painting/Decal Questions

[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