Painting Aluminium panels?

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Vikki

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 5, 2004
Messages
276
Does the surface of the aluminium need to be coated with some sort of etching undercoat? I notice there's a product called Bonda Prime in my local car spares shop, i believe this has an element of etch primer in it, do you think this may be suitable as an undercoat? Or any other ideas appreciated.
Vikki(uk) :thumb:
 
I once painted an aluminum block with red cheap spraypaint, withouth any primers. As I recall, it stuck to it good. But if I painted a panel today, I would spray it with an ordinary primer first.
 
vikki

I use an hammerite special metals primer that is applied with a brush, that I think I got from B&Q. It takes a bit of prepping to get it smooth (cos it's not a spray), but works realy well. It may be possible to get it as a spray !
 
Right thanks.....
I think i have some two part etch primer from when i had my car painted..i seem to recall that finished in a yellow green colour. I've looked at the Hammerite many times, i have seen some sprays i'll have a look.
The other finish i notice on some panels is like a swirl effect is that done with some sort of tool in a drill press?
Vikki(uk) :thumb:
 
[quote author="Vikki"]The other finish i notice on some panels is like a swirl effect is that done with some sort of tool in a drill press?
Vikki(uk) :thumb:[/quote]
Done this many times... cover a piece of Dowel with Emery cloth and run it on low-ish speed. I've done it with a hand-drill rather than a press, and it's turned out nicely!

Keith
 
I've had no problems applying primer and paint to aluminum panels and chassis when I first gave them a good roughing-up with fine-grit sandpaper. I follow the sanding by a wipe-down with 99% isopropyl alcohol, then apply the first coat of primer after the panel is completely dry.

HERE are two small chassis I painted with Rustoleum primer and hammertone paint.
 
[quote author="NewYorkDave"]HERE are two small chassis I painted with Rustoleum primer and hammertone paint.[/quote]

:thumb:
It’s the type of vintage paint I like. I’ll give it a try.
 
A soft-etched,imitation anodized finish may be produced on aluminum by dipping it in a solution of 1 tablespoon or more of lye to a pint of water. To color the aluminum,then dip it in a solution of household dye. I have'nt seen it around in years, but you may recall seeing a light blue almost teal and transparent looking effect using this method on various manufactured items. K2
 
NYD Chassis looks great, just as a matter of interest does Hammerite really take 8 months to completely dry (i read somewhere)?
Thanks Keith i always wondered how they did the swirl thing
Thanks everyone.
Vikki(uk) :thumb:
 
Hiya Vikki,

Pretty much the same as the rest of the chaps,
rub down with fine grade wet'n'dry, clean with isopropyl / armaclean :shock: , etc
fine coat of primer, into low oven 80 deg, for a couple of mins, then spray with hammerite, wait to cool down,

I do the acid then the paint

Sorted :grin:

Steve :thumb:
 
Just saw the words "Zinc Chromate"...... I was told (20 years ago) this stuff was gonna be banned coz it can make ya seriously sick.....
 
In the US (I know you're in the UK) self-etching primer can be purchased in the spray paint section of many automotive parts stores. Maybe there too?

Here's a stompbox pictorial from the DIYS site. If you scroll down, you can also see the t-shirt transfer approach.
 
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