Rusting Anchor

[Steve Darwin]

The galvanizing on the old 25# CQR has failed in places. My initial plan was to spot-prime with rust-converter (I've had good luck with this on other projects) and then prime and paint the whole anchor. But now I'm wondering if it might bee better to apply epoxy over the whole anchor and then paint. Suggestions?

[Jim Walsh]

I’d be inclined to use the rust converter where necessary and spray the whole thing with a few coats of Rustoleum cold galvanizing compound. I bet one can would suffice and run you about seven bucks…although I didn’t check the price, it may have doubled like everything else these days.

[Carl Thunberg]

I actually have Jim's old 25 lb CQR (original CQR) that I would be willing to give you on one condition. You need to attend the Northeast Fleet winter meeting at Flanders in January. No signs of rust anywhere. Just paying it forward. Thanks, Jim!

[Jim Walsh]

Good man, Carl! You made my day.

[jbenagh]

And I once owned Carl's former boat!
I'd just go with the zinc paint. I would, contrary to Jim, skip the rust converter but wire brush off any rust. I'm a bit rusty on chemistry but I think the zinc paint wants to be in contact with the steel and the converter introduces an insulating layer.
Jeff

[Steve Darwin]

Thanks all. The Rust-Oleum zinc paint does say to apply onto bare metal or galvanized surface free from rust. I'll give it a try. Interestingly, the instructions also say to use a latex topcoat. - Steve

[sgbernd]

It sounds like you have a solution, but will share my experience painting a rusted anchor that was not so successful. I cleaned, primed, and painted it (Rust Oleum) and it looked great.... That is, until I used it a few times. The sharp rocks and gravel ground right thru the paint. You might be ok if anchoring only in mud or soft sand but the rocks and sharp gravel here just chewed thru the paint in no time. I didn't think of paint hardness, but can't imagine many paints (maybe Imron?) which could take such abrasion and not be destroyed after a season.
-Steve

[bottomscraper]

I have been doing touch up each season with Rust-Oleum Cold Galvanizing Compound Spray. It's the same stuff I use on the prop to keep the barnacle population low.