What is the best method to paint aluminum diamond plate (1 Viewer)

[youmustbecrazy]

I have new aluminum diamond plate that I will be painting black. What is the best / easiest method to prep it for paint? Sandblast? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[fireflyr]

I riveted diamond plate on my stock steps but didn't like the brightness of the aluminum. I sandblasted them, sprayed them with metal prep to etch them, then shot them with Durabak. So far so good.

 

[BinaryDude]

I painted an aluminum boat about 4 years ago. I just used etching primer and marine outboard paint. unless the diamond plate is coated with something you should not need to sand it.

 

[jamisobe]

Powdercoat.