Painting Aluminum

[soberman001]

Gents
I made some small 4"x1"x0.25" spacers from Aluminum flat stock. Basically, a flat piece of Alum bar since I had a unique place I had to stick the spacers on my ARB Bumper. The bars are going to go under my Aux Lights which are powder coated black.

I wanted to paint the spacers to make it look more finished since they can be seen from the front of the truck.

Is there a basic DIY and cheap way to do this so that it will last? If not paint, what about that rubber dip that some folk used to use on tool handles?

Thanks for the help

 

[TallCanDan]

How much of the spacer will be visible? If not much I would think a rattle can of Rustoleum or Krylon will suffice. I don't know what would be good to prime the aluminum with though. Self etching primer works good on raw steel. I will check my rattle can when I get home today to see if it mentions aluminum.

Danny

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Soberman, I would wash the piece with a mild detergent and blow dry. Then mix white vinegar and water at a 50/50 ratio to "etch". Wipe down and blow dry. Then spray a light coat of zinc chromate primer like VHT or Moeller on the piece and then applied 2 or 3 coats of your Rustoleum or Krylon..

J

 

[Koffer]

thread jack

I'm sort of in the same boat but on a larger scale
Will the same things work on this , as I replaced the panel (that "F"en window needed to go )
I just want it one color and I'm not too proud and rattle can is my medium

Pixs on their way

 

[spressomon]

I've had great success painting bare aluminum with Rustoleum Hammered spray can paint. Acetone to prep clean the aluminum and no primer for a very durable finish if you're looking for cheap & easy. Don't over think this and use primer as a first coat...been there done that...this paint is more durable without primer!

http://rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=180

 

[Koffer]

pixs of what I removed and the new that needs paint

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Todd, the main reason paint doesn't hold to aluminum is that it immediately begins to oxide as soon as it is cleaned. A film is produced and the adhesion property is diminished. The aluminum needs to be primed ASAP after the etching process. Then you will have sufficient time to paint afterwards.

J