Aluminum Painting Tips
There are several tips and techniques used to effectively paint on aluminum. These range from painting on heavy duty aluminum, like home exterior siding, all the way down to aluminum foil craft projects. The process is fairly simple for each, but it is wise to adhere to all guidelines in order to produce the best finished product. Does this Spark an idea?
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Siding
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Although the siding on your home comes pre-painted or colored, the wear of the weather can cause it to chip and crack with time. Cracks and chips aren't just a cosmetic issue, they also allow air to penetrate the siding, which can cause oxidation. You'll first want to wait until the weather to be dry and overcast. Humidity and direct sunlight will adversely affect your paint job. Clean and sand the siding before you prime. When picking paint and primers, choose oil-based, since latex contains ammonia that bubbles when used on metal. Use a low-luster or satin-based finish when painting-- this will provide a factory look.
Industrial
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Because of aluminum's resistance to corrosion, painting it can be tricky, as most paints and primers don't stick to it correctly. The trick to getting paint to stick is to remove the oxide layer and immediately apply a layer before the oxide can form again. For painting outdoor items, such as windows, auto wheels and even handrails, you'll want to first use an alkaline solution to degrease the surface and at least one tap water rinse to remove the treatment. You'll then apply a deoxidizer; this solution is extremely acidic so use safety precautions. Quickly rinse then use a specially made conversion coating. This process is called alodining or irradiating. After rinsing with deionized water, the pretreated aluminum will then be put into a large drying oven called a kiln where the surface is dried by evaporation. This will prime the aluminum for painting.
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Crafts
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When painting craft aluminum, it is best to use an acrylic paint to ensure proper sticking and drying. Darker colors and multiple coats are also frequently used to discourage peeling. Make sure to clean and sand the surface before painting, since the paint will have trouble adhering to a product that isn't clean and smooth. If you find yourself having trouble getting the paint to stick, try preparing the aluminum with an irradiate coating to remove the oxide coating or try mixing it with dish soap.
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References
- Photo Credit aluminum fences stacked at construction site image by DSL from Fotolia.com
