John Popelish wrote in message ...

A number of years ago I picked up a pint of an acid, from NAPA
Auto Parts, used to clean aluminum for painting.
Once clean, I use epoxy appliance spray paint from the local
hardware store.

Bill Turner wrote:

Does anyone have any suggestions for painting aluminum in a way that
will be tougher and longer-lasting than you get with the usual spray
can?

I have a small compressed air paint sprayer, and I'm wondering if
automotive paint might be good, or perhaps something else? Mainly
interested in black or shades of gray. What is the best primer for
aluminum?

--
Bill, W6WRT

Most paint bonds well to aluminum oxide, if it is completely clean. I
think the best oxide for paint adhesion is a porous chromate anodize,
but thermal oxidation is very good, also. If the object can take the
heat, Wipe it with paint thinner, let dry, and bake it in a hot oven
(450 F) for an hour or so to evaporate or oxidize all traces of
surface oil and provide a good surface oxide. Do not touch it with
skin before painting.

John Popelish wrote in message ...

A number of years ago I picked up a pint of an acid, from NAPA
Auto Parts, used to clean aluminum for painting.
Once clean, I use epoxy appliance spray paint from the local
hardware store.

Bill Turner wrote:

Does anyone have any suggestions for painting aluminum in a way that
will be tougher and longer-lasting than you get with the usual spray
can?

I have a small compressed air paint sprayer, and I'm wondering if
automotive paint might be good, or perhaps something else? Mainly
interested in black or shades of gray. What is the best primer for
aluminum?

--
Bill, W6WRT

Most paint bonds well to aluminum oxide, if it is completely clean. I
think the best oxide for paint adhesion is a porous chromate anodize,
but thermal oxidation is very good, also. If the object can take the
heat, Wipe it with paint thinner, let dry, and bake it in a hot oven
(450 F) for an hour or so to evaporate or oxidize all traces of
surface oil and provide a good surface oxide. Do not touch it with
skin before painting.

On Tue, 10 Feb 2004 21:19:53 -0800, Bill Turner
wrote:

Does anyone have any suggestions for painting aluminum in a way that
will be tougher and longer-lasting than you get with the usual spray
can?

I have a small compressed air paint sprayer, and I'm wondering if
automotive paint might be good, or perhaps something else? Mainly
interested in black or shades of gray. What is the best primer for
aluminum?

in UK there is a paint called Hammerite, you can get both "crincle"
{similar to the finish as used on the AR88} or smooth. cost is about 3
quid ( six dollars US ) for a small can or for a spray cannister, the
latter is easier to use but has less paint. It sticks well and can
give a very professional finish.
FWIW, Mike W
--

"Bill Turner" wrote in message
...
Does anyone have any suggestions for painting aluminum in a way that
will be tougher and longer-lasting than you get with the usual spray
can?

I have a small compressed air paint sprayer, and I'm wondering if
automotive paint might be good, or perhaps something else? Mainly
interested in black or shades of gray. What is the best primer for
aluminum?

--
Bill, W6WRT

I've gotten the best results by first washing with a strong detergent,
drying, and then using fine steel wool (0000 grade), wiping with a tack
cloth to pick up any steel wool and other dust, and then using a zinc
chromate primer.

On Tue, 10 Feb 2004 21:19:53 -0800, Bill Turner
wrote:

Does anyone have any suggestions for painting aluminum in a way that
will be tougher and longer-lasting than you get with the usual spray
can?

An alternative might be anodizing, which is a very durable and
corrosion resistant finish.

Some outfits which do anodizing will add your part in with a batch of
other things with the same process, and it could be far less $$ than
you think.

Any surface treatment, anodizing, paint, or whatever: surface
prep/cleaning is the key to a quality finish.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
------------------------------------------------
at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom

Bill Turner wrote:

Does anyone have any suggestions for painting aluminum in a way that
will be tougher and longer-lasting than you get with the usual spray
can?

I have a small compressed air paint sprayer, and I'm wondering if
automotive paint might be good, or perhaps something else? Mainly
interested in black or shades of gray. What is the best primer for
aluminum?

--
Bill, W6WRT

Most paint bonds well to aluminum oxide, if it is completely clean. I
think the best oxide for paint adhesion is a porous chromate anodize,
but thermal oxidation is very good, also. If the object can take the
heat, Wipe it with paint thinner, let dry, and bake it in a hot oven
(450 F) for an hour or so to evaporate or oxidize all traces of
surface oil and provide a good surface oxide. Do not touch it with
skin before painting.

--
John Popelish

On Tue, 10 Feb 2004 21:19:53 -0800, Bill Turner
wrote:

Does anyone have any suggestions for painting aluminum in a way that
will be tougher and longer-lasting than you get with the usual spray
can?

I have a small compressed air paint sprayer, and I'm wondering if
automotive paint might be good, or perhaps something else? Mainly
interested in black or shades of gray. What is the best primer for
aluminum?

in UK there is a paint called Hammerite, you can get both "crincle"
{similar to the finish as used on the AR88} or smooth. cost is about 3
quid ( six dollars US ) for a small can or for a spray cannister, the
latter is easier to use but has less paint. It sticks well and can
give a very professional finish.
FWIW, Mike W
--

On Tue, 10 Feb 2004 21:19:53 -0800, Bill Turner
wrote:

Does anyone have any suggestions for painting aluminum in a way that
will be tougher and longer-lasting than you get with the usual spray
can?

An alternative might be anodizing, which is a very durable and
corrosion resistant finish.

Some outfits which do anodizing will add your part in with a batch of
other things with the same process, and it could be far less $$ than
you think.

Any surface treatment, anodizing, paint, or whatever: surface
prep/cleaning is the key to a quality finish.

Happy trails,
Gary (net.yogi.bear)
------------------------------------------------
at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence

Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA
Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom