Rudder housing paint?

[HeaveToo]

My rudder housing is fading.  I am figuring that a touch up of black paint would look nice.  What type of paint would you suggest?

[MacGyver]

I cleaned it really well, then scotch brited the whole thing with a red scotch brite. I think I washed it down with water and dawn soap when done, and then I used a quality Etching primer. this stuff has a acid built in that eats into the aluminum, and then gives a good base for the paint.

I followed up with a black high quality spray paint. Possibly rustoleum brand.

I did all this when the sun was shining nice out, and I tell you what, the heat of the casting is nice because the flow of the paint was amazing. also warmed my cans some and shook the hell out of them.

Has held up 2 years and looks awesome still. no chipping, etc. Just be sure to allow the paint to dry well, before flipping it to do the other side. I got a little quick on mine and had to redo some spots where the bucket I used as a table touched it.

Mac

[Bob23]

I essentially did the same as Mac but used zinc chromate primer and finished with rustoleum bronze. Looks great and has held up in my salt water environment.
Bob23

[capt_nemo]

When changing rudders I decided to paint mine. Since it was in pretty good condition I just scuffed it up a bit and applied several coats of Rustoleum Black Spray enamel. Has held up well.

capt_nemo

[relamb]

I just cleaned it off good with a pressure washer and brushed on some black rustoleum, not spray.  Looks fine and has lasted several years.

[skip1930]

Rustoleum gloss.

Paint over sanded paint.

No good using an etch without taking the aluminum casting down to white metal. 

skip.