Binkie wrote:
The correct way to paint an outboard to get a factory paint job using only rattle can paint. First remove the engine from the boat and mount it on a stand on rollers so it can be moved around. Then go to the local auto paint store and get a couple of spray cans of aircraft aluminum paint remover. move the engine outside and cover everything that won't be painted. BTW always wear gloves, glasses (old sun glasses) or whatever, and long pants. Now spray everything you want to paint, put cardboard on the ground to keep the remover from staining concrete. Let it sit now for 20-30 minutes, not in the sun. Now take your pressure washer, and blast the paint remover off. This will make a big mess,(I hope your car isn't sitting nearby) so wash the mess(old paint) off the driveway with the pressure washer. You probably have to do this twice, and you will be left with an outboard devoid of paint except for most of the initial primer applied at the factory which won't and does not have to be removed. This primer is called zinc chromate primer. It is not available anymore under that name . It is greenish color. It is now called Self Etching Primer available at the auto parts store. So pick up a can of this primer. This is the right primer to coat aluminum before painting. Sand everything smooth with 220 or 300 wet or dry sandpaper, and paint everything with the primer. Let the primer dry for a day or so, now just scuff sand the primer, and then paint two or three coats of spray paint that you bought from you outboard dealer. If you go black, you can get it from the auto parts store. What you do after this is up to you. It should look great and only need a couple of coats of Carnauba wax. Thats all I do. you could color sand it and clear coat it, and make it look as good as your new car.

This sounds very involved but it's easy to no and its not taxing work and the results are worth it and it will look good for years.