painting aluminum

[model-a]

I have a question about painting Aluminum do I need to just rough up the finish before painting and I guess I need a paint that will work on metal. Thanks.

Chris,

 

[mikeeebikey]

Yes it needs a scuff for primer to stick, then paint! Be sure to clean real good before paint.

 

[bigred407]

Give it a scuff up and I personally would use etching primer on Aluminium before painting.

 

[mikeeebikey]

Etching primer is for steel(rust) I thought???
I have always scuffed, primered, wet sand, finish paint, sand, repeat finish coats.
Never had a problem except with rim brakes!

 

[bigred407]

Yeah it is really, just personal preferance to be honest. Probably doesn't make any real difference in the grand scheme of things.

 

[model-a]

Ok guys thanks for the info.

 

[jamesdart]

id go with etching primer its supposed to be good for any metal, even galvanize coatings. light coats, it should be semi transparent. im going to use it on a set of aluminum rims. i asked about it a while back because i thought they were anodized.