Priming aluminum for paint
05-22-22, 09:47 AM
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Priming aluminum for paint
Is there a special primer needed for painting aluminum frames?
Also, Is it o/k to sand blast aluminum? I have almost all the paint off the frame ( chem strip and scraping/ sanding) but there are still bits of paint at the weld beads.
Also, Is it o/k to sand blast aluminum? I have almost all the paint off the frame ( chem strip and scraping/ sanding) but there are still bits of paint at the weld beads.
05-22-22, 10:29 AM
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A wire brush should work on removing the paint at the welds. For priming, self-etching primer is good for aluminum. I do a coat, lightly wet sand, and do another coat. That should help to hide any light scratching on the aluminum. As for bead blasting, I have never had one done, but do not see a problem with having it done. Bead blasting, not sand, is less destructive to the metal.
05-24-22, 05:58 AM
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There is a whole spectrum of blasting media, from walnut shells and corncobs to baking soda and plastic beads; a discussion with one or more folks who do this kind of work might yield an even better solution.
05-24-22, 06:12 AM
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Good advice given so far. Make sure it's a self-etching primer. Auto parts stores that supply auto-painting supplies will carry it.
Sounds like you already have the frame stripped. I wouldn't worry about paint flecks in the welds. They'll disappear under the primer and subsequent paint coats.
Sounds like you already have the frame stripped. I wouldn't worry about paint flecks in the welds. They'll disappear under the primer and subsequent paint coats.
05-24-22, 11:21 PM
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Use some good degreaser made for prepping the surface for the primer. A real paint shop (like an auto body specialty shop) can advise you on the proper prep and priming materials. Yea, the products might cost more than at Home Depot or Autozone, but the advice can make the difference between a durable, long lasting finiish and problems.
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05-25-22, 12:15 PM
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Did a little on line research and decided on Rustoleum Aluminum primer. After scraping and stripping I used my sand blaster just to clean up the welds after soaking them in Clean strip paint remover. The paint bubbled up and mostly just scraped off with a disposable box cutter knife. I then sanded the aluminum with 400 grit paper, washed down under the shower with hot water, wiped down with acetone, agitated the paint thoroughly and finally sprayed the white primer. I have to say the primer went on beautifully.
The solvent in it is mostly acetone and it dries very fast, making runs easy to avoid. I will wait a few days to be sure it is dry then top coat with Rustoleum color and finish with Rustoleum Automotive clear.
The solvent in it is mostly acetone and it dries very fast, making runs easy to avoid. I will wait a few days to be sure it is dry then top coat with Rustoleum color and finish with Rustoleum Automotive clear.
