Tom wrote (10/2008): "I was looking for a product to use on the 4" steel pilings on a newly constructed boat house. I wanted to extend the life of the piles and the overall structure since the boathouse cost roughly $50K to build. Aluthane was recommended. At the time, the water was down around three feet from normal pool so I was able to paint roughly 4 feet of the piling that was exposed. For prep, I used a simple paint scraper to smooth off the rough, loose rust and then a wire brush. I did not put a lot of effort into preparation. Total prep time per piling was no more than 3-5 minutes. I used a 3" roller and rolled the Aluthane on. Again, very simple and quick. The Aluthane will run, so you do have to roll it on and smooth any runs with another quick roll over.

The results looked great. Basically a shiny aluminum look. When the lake came back up to pool, I kept watch for any signs of deterioration and saw none 12 months after application. The water went back down even further in the last few months, so I was able to inspect much closer and even apply the Aluthane further down the pilings. There was absolutely no rust through with 12-15 months of submersion.

Hi Paul,

I was working on the boat today and couldn't help but notice how sharp my aluminum hardtop (still) looks after a very harsh summer of hard work on the salty ocean and a long New England winter exposed to the elements.

I remember the day I finished welding my hardtop and sat baffled as to how to finish it. You see, the hardtop frame was comprised of a half cut-up Mako tower (anodized aluminum) and scrap 6061 aluminum, all TIG welded together. With little to no prep, aside from a light sanding and a wash with alcohol, I was able to brush on (stippling) two coats of Aluthane in a day and have the boat launched a week later. Since then, the frame has seen rope chaffing, scrapes, climbing crew with abrasive sandy shoes, and harsh sun and seawater. The finish has never worn through and shows no signs of damage.

It has held up marvelously. So well in fact, I go out of my way to find things to paint with Aluthane. So far, I've painted my engines heat exchanger, primer my manifolds and risers, painted parts of my galvanized trailer including the wheels, and various mixed metal hardware on my boat.

I've recommended this product to others looking for a tough coating that can take a beating. A little goes a long way with Aluthane and it is almost funny how easily it goes on, rolled or brushed. One caveat, brushing will show brush marks so I usually stipple the surface with a brush with its bristles cut way back (or roll it on). Continuous mixing is key, too. It isn't glossy which is nice in some cases.