Want to paint aluminum links, what do I need to know?

[railripper]

Hey everyone. I would like to paint my aluminum links. The first time, the paint didn't stick...so what are the steps to making the paint stick and what kind of paint? Thanks:thumbup:

[Hoosierdady]

scuff them up and use Rustoleum. Spray a few very thin coats. Allow each coat to cure overnight. It'll take a few days to get it done, but the result will be worth it. You can even lay them in front of a heater or in a old oven once finished to help bake on the finish. Just take your time and use several very thin coats. You basically just want to overspray them on the first coat.

[railripper]

^^^Thanks hoosier:thumbup:

[ROCKEDUP RICKY]

Originally Posted by railripper

^^^Thanks hoosier:thumbup:

You might want to stick to Hoosierdady until you get to know him better.

[2WheelFlyer]

Ideally you should degrease them and sand them, and shoot them with green zinc chromate primer (see how WWII airplane cockpit and interiors were apple green in color? that is zinc chromate). After its dry, you can lightly sand it and paint over with epoxy or enamel and as Hooserdady said if you oven cure it a bit the paint will be tougher.

But, you are going to scuff the links anyway when you crawl... that is why aluminum links are anodized. You can have them powdercoated too, just cover any exposed threads

[blumaro]

You can also use automotive etch prime made by i company called sem