228 Seafarer Bracket, Chromate Passivation?

[GreenRoomSon]

Hello,

I want to redo the powder coating on my bracket. Was wondering if anyone knows if they used hexavalent chromate passivization on the aluminum prior to powder coating when this year bracket was made. Makes a huge difference as to how to proceed from a safety standpoint. Any input would be much appreciated.

 

[seasick]

Do you plan on powder coating yourself? Are you concerned about removing existing coatings?
I don't see where you specified the bracket age but if relatively recent, Chromium based products probably would not have been used.

 

[Thor's Outlaw]

Watching this thread as I planned on recoating my 2002 Seafarer bracket this fall/winter also. I was just going to blast it and paint it with Awlgrip. Ill have to look into whatever "hexavalent chromate passivization" is.

 

[GreenRoomSon]

I am going to epoxy coat (primer then poly top). Age is relevant as in the 1990s chromate primers and chromate passivation was common use for aluminum marine and aircraft parts that were going to be coated and exposed to the elements. Chromate is a nasty carcinogen (did chemical engineering and these compounds scared me more than any acid or solvent). For this reason anything in the past two decades is most likely to use a non chromate etching primer. I would not do surface prep on this at my home if I am going to be making chromate dust.

Advise to all in general, be leary of sanding/blasting/abrating aluminum parts on older boats