"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 Wed, 11 Feb 2004 13:50:00 GMT, "Martin"
wrote:


"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.

Do youse guys in the US not have Hammerite paint? That's what we
mostly use here in Britain. It's top-notch stuff. Needs no priming or
special preparation at all; tough, durable, corrosion-resistant finish
suitable for exterior metalwork in all climates. Good range of colours
finishes and textures. And it's non-toxic. The only thing you need is
the special thinner (only for cleaning brushes or spray equipment -
not the application part).
--

The BBC: Licensed at public expense to spread lies.

Paul Burridge wrote:

Do youse guys in the US not have Hammerite paint? That's what we
mostly use here in Britain. It's top-notch stuff. Needs no priming or
special preparation at all; tough, durable, corrosion-resistant finish
suitable for exterior metalwork in all climates. Good range of colours
finishes and textures. And it's non-toxic. The only thing you need is
the special thinner (only for cleaning brushes or spray equipment -
not the application part).

I have bought it in the US. It is tough and good looking.

--
John Popelish

"Paul Burridge" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 11 Feb 2004 13:50:00 GMT, "Martin"
wrote:


"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.

Do youse guys in the US not have Hammerite paint? That's what we
mostly use here in Britain. It's top-notch stuff. Needs no priming or
special preparation at all; tough, durable, corrosion-resistant finish
suitable for exterior metalwork in all climates. Good range of colours
finishes and textures. And it's non-toxic. The only thing you need is
the special thinner (only for cleaning brushes or spray equipment -
not the application part).
--

It's available here. Their web page recommends use of their primer for
aluminum.

Paul Burridge wrote:

Do youse guys in the US not have Hammerite paint? That's what we
mostly use here in Britain. It's top-notch stuff. Needs no priming or
special preparation at all; tough, durable, corrosion-resistant finish
suitable for exterior metalwork in all climates. Good range of colours
finishes and textures. And it's non-toxic. The only thing you need is
the special thinner (only for cleaning brushes or spray equipment -
not the application part).

I have bought it in the US. It is tough and good looking.

--
John Popelish

"Paul Burridge" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 11 Feb 2004 13:50:00 GMT, "Martin"
wrote:


"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.

Do youse guys in the US not have Hammerite paint? That's what we
mostly use here in Britain. It's top-notch stuff. Needs no priming or
special preparation at all; tough, durable, corrosion-resistant finish
suitable for exterior metalwork in all climates. Good range of colours
finishes and textures. And it's non-toxic. The only thing you need is
the special thinner (only for cleaning brushes or spray equipment -
not the application part).
--

It's available here. Their web page recommends use of their primer for
aluminum.

On Wed, 11 Feb 2004 13:50:00 GMT, "Martin"
wrote:


"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.

Do youse guys in the US not have Hammerite paint? That's what we
mostly use here in Britain. It's top-notch stuff. Needs no priming or
special preparation at all; tough, durable, corrosion-resistant finish
suitable for exterior metalwork in all climates. Good range of colours
finishes and textures. And it's non-toxic. The only thing you need is
the special thinner (only for cleaning brushes or spray equipment -
not the application part).
--

The BBC: Licensed at public expense to spread lies.

"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

Take yourself to your nearest general aviation airport (dont bother with a
huge airline terminal airport - its way too damn difficult getting in) -
find a maintenence company, they paint alumnium regularly.

wrote in :

Imeron; used on airplanes and a bit pricey.


Imron is very special and pricy stuff. It requires a hardener and can frost
up your lungs if you don't use the proper breathing apparatus. In other
words, you die. It costs over $100 a gallon.

I simply cannot believe that anyone would recommend this paint in this
newsgroup for painting a bit of metal. Do you use rocket fuel in your car
as well?

You paint aluminum like any other metal.

It seems that the Internet has invented something that could never have
survived previously - the instant specialist. This person repeats any and
all gossip, rumors and inuendo as if it's fact, with no experience
whatsoever.

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