How to Repaint an Outboard Engine

Exposure to sun, water and sometimes salt over a period of time may have your boat's outboard engine looking a little worse for wear. That doesn't mean, however, that you have to buy a new motor that's more aesthetically pleasing. Painting an outboard engine will protect it, prolong its useful life and make it look new again. Whether you choose to paint it one solid color or customize it, all it takes are a few tools and a little time.

Things You'll Need

  • Sandpaper (various grits)
  • Putty
  • Putty knife
  • Painting tape
  • Spray primer
  • Spray paint
  • Clear coat finish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sand the entire area you plan to paint with varying grits of sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish. Begin with a lower grit, such as a 75-grit paper, and finish with a 400-grit paper.

    • 2

      Fill any dents, scratches and imperfections with putty, and smooth the area using a putty knife. When the putty is dry, sand the repaired area to ensure it's as smooth as the rest of the engine.

    • 3

      Tape off any areas of the engine that you do not wish to paint. Press the tape firmly over those pieces, especially in areas that might be sensitive to paint.

    • 4

      Prime the area using a spray primer. If the primer requires two coats, wait the indicated amount of time before applying the second coat.

    • 5

      Spray paint the engine using the paint color of your preference. It may need two coats. If you plan to paint a second coat, sand the first coat with 400-grit sandpaper after it has fully dried before adding the second coat.

    • 6

      After the paint coats are completely dry, spray the newly painted engine with a clear coat finish to protect it and give it a glossy shine. Some clear coats may take a week or more to fully harden and dry. Do not expose the outboard engine to wet conditions during this time.