Painting Aluminum

[newfie09xtx]

So I am thinking about painting the a-arms, front bumper, and spindles. (too much to send away to get powdercoated from NFLD) Does anyone have experience painting aluminum, if so what advise do you have. (Sanding vs Sand Blasting etc..., prepping...) This may be a stupid question (little experience) but, what material are the a arms and front bumper made of?

Thanks

 

[yamaha1973]

This may be a stupid question (little experience) but, what material are the a arms and front bumper made of?

Steel, they rust

 

[Off Trail Mike]

newf09

No problem painting aluminum. I had my local car dealer do my MTX tunnel for me. The trick is to use a self etching primer and make sure the surfaces are well sanded (scotchbright pads or 400 grit) and then cleaned. Once cleaned and primed, it will take any auto paint meant to work with the primer/paint system (i.e. Dupont auto paint system)

I have been beating on my tunnel all last year and although it is scratched from my boots, no peeling of paint whatsovever. Still looks great!

Also, if you want to to small parts, I use Krylon self etching primer and krylon paint (Fastenal), which works pretty well too, although not as good as the professional auto paints.

OTM

 

[newfie09xtx]

newf09

No problem painting aluminum. I had my local car dealer do my MTX tunnel for me. The trick is to use a self etching primer and make sure the surfaces are well sanded (scotchbright pads or 400 grit) and then cleaned. Once cleaned and primed, it will take any auto paint meant to work with the primer/paint system (i.e. Dupont auto paint system)

I have been beating on my tunnel all last year and although it is scratched from my boots, no peeling of paint whatsovever. Still looks great!

Also, if you want to to small parts, I use Krylon self etching primer and krylon paint (Fastenal), which works pretty well too, although not as good as the professional auto paints.

OTM

Should I get them sandblasted or is sanding good enough? I will be using an epoxy type paint because it is supposed to be very durable.

 

[CaptCaper]

Final sanding with 320 should be good. Also you need a self etching primer, then a epoxy primer then a two part urethane. sanding the epoxy primer lightly before painting. This is standard for commercial quality painting of aluminum. Aircraft,boats,etc. 2 part urethane is better then epoxy paints. Go to InterLux paints and see. This is what I've always used to paint boats,etc.

 

[Off Trail Mike]

Newf09

X2 CaptCaper. The key is sand/clean throughly/self-etch prime/prime/paint.

The key is to use a paint "system" that supports all the steps you want to do. Interlux/Dupont and many others do this, and do it well.

If you know anyone in your area that does aluminum boats or automotive paints, have a discussion with them as both should be able to do what you want.

I love powder coating, but some of the new paints are almost as durable, and keep this in mind too: You have to be cautious when powder coating aluminum. Because you have to "bake" the powder coat to catalyze it, aluminum powder coating usually require low cure temperature paints, otherwise if you are not careful you can take the temper out of aluminum, thus killing its strength.

Doesn't happen as much anymore, but something to keep in mind.

OTM

 

[radianguy]

newfie09xtx check out Diamond Elite Powder Coating on facebook, my buddy just started powder coating a few months ago. He does great work and has a grand opening special on right now, up to 50% off. Check it out, tell him Melv sent ya.

 

[newfie09xtx]

Right on. Thanks Radianguy. Ill check him out.