aluminum diamond plate painting question

[youmustbecrazy]

I posted this in paint and body but got nothing back. I have some new aluminum that I need to paint. What is the best way to prep it for paint? Due to the pattern it would be hard to sand, so what have you done? Sandblast? Chemical etching? Any ideas would be great, thanks

 

[grant5127]

Pre-prep....Chemfil #DX533 ... follow up with DX501 conditioner.... both made by PPG...

 

[motoloco]

The most cost effective way to make paint stick to tread-bright (alum. tread plate) would be TSP and alum. primer. Good luck.

 

[Dieseler]

use scotch brite pads to scuff off the anti ox coating they put on aluminum, clean with degreaser and it should be good to paint.

 

[youmustbecrazy]

thanks! we have sun and warm enough weather to paint today.

 

[mmw68]

What about power coating them?

 

[youmustbecrazy]

I ended up using tsp and scotch pad. Worked awesome, totally dull and ready for paint. thanks!