Paint on Aluminum

[High Angle Five]

Hey Guys,

I've got a bomber with the aftermarket "aluminum panel kit. I've been wandering if there is a primer out there that would stick to the aluminum panels that I could paint, if so is there any prep I should do to the panels before I prime them. Any info would help.

Thanks,

[JohnB]

The first step would be to thoroughly clean the panels with a wax and grease remover. (Lacquer thinner works in a pinch.) Sand or scuff the surface with a medium-fine scuff pad or 400-grit sandpaper. Clean again.

I prefer to prime aluminum with a self-etching primer, followed by a primer sealer. Then top-coat with your color of choice.

Just my .02.

Good Luck!

[Scotski]

Ditto on the scuffing and self-etching primer. It works well with aluminum and stainless too. Use it very lightly with multiple thin layers when coating or it will chip off easily.

[Bmanthei]

Make sure when using etch primer to do a thin lite coat and wait the full dry time(whatever it says on the can) SEM makes a decent etch primer