Pettit Protect Aluma Protect Kit 2 Gallon Set - Two-Part Epoxy Barrier Coating for Aluminum, Steel, Cast Iron and Lead Keels

The Pettit Protect Aluma Protect Kit 2 Gal Set is a two-part epoxy barrier coating system built to protect metal hulls and keels, including aluminum, steel, cast iron, and lead surfaces, from corrosion and galvanic attack below the waterline. Pettit Protect is designed to be applied directly over properly prepared bare metal or over sound, existing two-part epoxy finishes, making it suitable both for new metal surfaces and for recoating older barrier systems that are still in good condition.

Surface preparation is matched to the substrate: lead keels are disc sanded or abraded to bright metal and coated with one thin coat of Pettit 6455/044 Metal Primer before the Pettit Protect topcoats go on, while steel or cast iron keels are abraded to bright metal and primed with one coat of Pettit 6980 Rustlok Steel Primer, which must be overcoated within a narrow 1/2 to 2 hour window. Previously primed two-part epoxy surfaces in sound condition can be brush-off sandblasted or heavily sanded and recoated with three coats of Pettit Protect directly, without stripping to bare metal. If fairing is needed on any substrate, Pettit 7050 EZ-Fair Epoxy Fairing Compound can be applied and sanded smooth between coats.

Coating performance depends on total dry film thickness rather than coat count alone: the system is engineered to reach 12 mils total dry film thickness, with additional coats recommended if that thickness is not achieved after the initial three coats. This 2 gallon set supplies the Pettit Protect coating needed to complete a full barrier coat application on qualifying metal surfaces.

Specifications

• Brand: Pettit
• Manufacturer Part Number: 14400/1440016
• Product Name: Aluma Protect Kit 2 Gal Set
• Category: Marine Primers
• Kit Size: 2 gallon set
• Weight: 20.3 pounds
• UPC: 725469012745
• Coating Type: Two-part epoxy barrier coat
• Recommended Total Dry Film Thickness: 12 mils minimum
• Typical Application: Three coats (bare metal systems) or three coats over existing two-part epoxy
• Suitable Substrates: Aluminum, steel, cast iron, lead keels
• Compatible Primers: Pettit 6455/044 Metal Primer (lead); Pettit 6980 Rustlok Steel Primer (steel/cast iron)
• Compatible Fairing Compound: Pettit 7050 EZ-Fair Epoxy Fairing Compound

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pettit Protect Aluma Protect Kit used for? It is a two-part epoxy barrier coating system for metal hulls and keels, including aluminum, steel, cast iron, and lead, sold as the Pettit Protect Aluma Protect Kit 2 Gal Set.

Can this kit be applied over a lead keel? Yes. For lead keels, the surface is disc sanded or abraded to bright metal, cleaned, and given one thin coat of Pettit 6455/044 Metal Primer before applying Pettit Protect from this 2 gallon set.

How do I prepare a steel or cast iron keel before coating? Steel or cast iron keels should be disc sanded or abraded to bright metal and cleaned, then primed with one coat of Pettit 6980 Rustlok Steel Primer before Pettit Protect is applied.

How long should I wait before recoating over the Rustlok Steel Primer? Only 1/2 to 2 hours, no more and no less, before applying Pettit Protect over Pettit 6980 Rustlok Steel Primer on steel or cast iron keels.

Can Pettit Protect be applied over an existing coating instead of bare metal? Yes, provided the existing finish is a sound two-part epoxy system. It requires brush-off sandblasting or very heavy sanding with 60 grit sandpaper, followed by three coats of the Pettit Protect Aluma Protect Kit per label directions.

What weight is the 2 gallon Aluma Protect Kit? The Pettit Protect Aluma Protect Kit 2 Gal Set weighs 20.3 pounds.

How many coats of Pettit Protect are needed for full protection? Three coats are the standard recommendation, but the real target is total dry film thickness: if 12 mils is not reached after three coats, additional coats should be applied.

Do I need to fair the surface before applying this coating? Fairing is only needed if the surface requires it. When it is required, Pettit 7050 EZ-Fair Epoxy Fairing Compound is applied, sanded smooth, and then followed with additional coats of Pettit Protect.

Will this kit work if my old bottom paint is in poor condition? No. Existing two-part epoxy finishes in poor condition, along with one-package primers and bottom paints, should be removed completely and the appropriate bare-metal system followed before applying the Pettit Protect Aluma Protect Kit.

Is the Pettit Protect coating a one-part or two-part product? It is a two-part epoxy coating, which is why previously primed surfaces must already be a sound two-part epoxy system for direct recoating.

What part number should I reference when ordering this kit? The Pettit Protect Aluma Protect Kit 2 Gal Set is identified by manufacturer part number 14400/1440016.

Does the primer differ depending on the metal being coated? Yes. Lead keels use Pettit 6455/044 Metal Primer, while steel or cast iron keels use Pettit 6980 Rustlok Steel Primer, before the Pettit Protect coats are applied over either.