Painting aluminum fuel tanks

Nov 16, 2004 5 Replies

Rate this thread:

Glenn Ashmore 21 years ago

My fuel tanks arrived today and this weekend will be burried deep inside Rutu never to be seen again. There will be a way to pull them but it will be a real hassle and there is now way to inspect the bottom. They will be mounted on UHMW pads to keep water away from them but I want to paint them with a 2 part linear polyurethane for some added insurance. The plan is to sand blast them and prime with DuPont Variprime 615S before the LPU. Anyone have a better suggestion?

I don't ever want to see these tanks again.

Vote

Jack Hayes 21 years ago

A coat of fiberglass would provide even more protection.

Jack

Vote

Gary Owens 21 years ago

Sandblast then wrap/coat them with fiberglass. .25 inch of fiberglass will form a tank outside your tank and protect from the internal corrosion. Of course you could try cathodic protection. gary

Vote

Don Foreman 21 years ago

These tanks are made of aluminum 1/8" or thicker, right?

Sandblasting thin aluminum can cause significant distortion very quickly -- but I bet you already knew that. Aluminum blasting is best done with plastic beads or crushed walnut shells.

Even if blasted, I'd treat the alum>My fuel tanks arrived today and this weekend will be burried deep inside

Vote

tomcas 21 years ago

Like Don says, Iridite (alodine), then paint.

Vote

Jim Moser 21 years ago

Check out a local truck bed liner material like Rhinoliner or Duraliner. They are sprayed on fairly thick and hold up good to abrasion. We have been using these products on steel and aluminum fuel tanks on comm. fish boats and seems to be a lot better than any paint job. Jim

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required