[crema]

Before applying aluminum paint, installers must thoroughly clean the surface of the object to remove grease, dirt, and rust. If these materials are not removed before painting, the paint is unlikely to bond well with the object, and it will often peel or flake. A primer is used to prepare the surface for painting, and the aluminum paint is applied over top once the primer has dried completely. Because of their resinous base, most paints must dry overnight before a second coat can be applied.

[kaspar]

Aluminum paint when sanded can give off very tiny particles of aluminum, which, if inhaled, can cause a lot of damage to your lungs. If you don't have this kind of facemask, you can usually rent one from your local home improvement store. [links]

[alanahbing142]

I don't think painting aluminum on top of iron oxide is such a good idea. letshearit June 19, 2011 here

[Koon]

Interlux offers a range of antifouling paints that have been specifically developed for use on all surfaces including aluminum boats, outdrives, and outboards.

[turnpike]

Trilux® 33 with Biolux, unlike other antifouling paints, does not use cuprous oxide. Trilux® 33 uses Cuprous Thiocyanate. Cuprous Thiocyanate is safer to use then Cuprous Oxide. The biocides work together to fight shell fouling such as barnacles and zebra mussels while the Biolux blocks slime and algae. This blend of resins and biocides, when properly applied over primer, offer excellent antifouling protection. While Trilux® 33 has been specifically developed for use on primed aluminum, it can also be applied to fiberglass, wood and other underwater metals on boats. Trilux® 33 is for use below waterline in fresh, salt and brackish water. If you are in Canada use Tri-Lux II. [links]

[carol88miller]

Micron CF is a multi-season antifouling that uses Biolux® Slime Blocking Technology to combat slime and Econea™ to ward off barnacles and zebra mussels. Like all Micron paints Micron CF is a polishing product that reduces paint build- up and the self-smoothing characteristics of the paint reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency. A high solids formulation, Micron CF offers reduced solvent emissions and is VOC compliant. Micron CF is suitable for use on all boats in all waters. here

[Luke-Jr]

While TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint can be used above or below the waterline, it contains no antifouling properties. We recommend TotalBoat AlumiPaint AF bottom paint for maximum protection against barnacles, shellfish, slime, and weeds. Do not apply over existing bottom paints! here

[Expez]

To make it easy to prep and apply paint, elevate your boat for better access. If your boat is trailered, the TotalBoat Trailer-Mounted Boat Lift lets you raise your boat off the trailer by yourself for painting and maintenance. It’s adjustable to accommodate a wide range of boat sizes and shapes. If your boat has any leaking rivets, cracks, or seams, use our 2-part epoxy adhesive sealer to make quick repairs before painting. more

[cdwebbtech]

No, you do not. With TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint, etching is optional and may improve adhesion, but what’s most important is that this unique paint is designed to be applied directly to shiny, bare aluminum. It has an advanced polyurethane formula that makes it bond strongly and durably without etching or priming first. [links]

[foxhunter]

Tips: TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Paint will adhere strongly when applied directly to properly prepared bare metal and previously painted aluminum or galvanized metal surfaces in good condition. For maximum adhesion on bare aluminum, we recommend applying TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash prior painting. For superior antifouling protection below the waterline, we recommend TotalBoat AlumiPaint AF, a bottom paint specifically formulated for aluminum boats. more

[xterm11]

Yes. A large spray tip works best. This paint may be thinned up to 20% with water for spray application. A large foam roller also yields a finish similar to spraying.

[OneFixt]

In addition the sandblast media you use, another key factor will be the pressure you blast at. Most of the time aluminum panels tend to be used in thinner thicknesses making them potentially susceptible to warping when blasted. In order to avoid warping and/or creating significant indentations in the product’s surface, consider starting with your pressure set very low and gradually increasing. Typically you will end up with a blasting pressure of around 50 – 60 PSI, however, to be sure you do not create any issues with warping or indents it is best to start at the lowest pressure you can and gradually increase the pressure. more

[Robin]

One of the greatest keys to successfully blasting aluminum surfaces is choosing a sandblast media that is appropriate. You cannot use steel based blast medias with aluminum surfaces because steel media will impregnate the aluminum surface and create corrosion. Other blast media considerations will include cost effectiveness and the end appearance of the surface. If your looking to only strip a coating without causing harm to the surface blast media like glass beads and baking soda are great choices, if you need to leave a profile for repaint you can consider options like crushed glass or aluminum oxide, the aluminum oxide will be faster than crushed glass but can be initially more expensive. If a polished look is the end goal typically this will be best accomplished with glass bead media and may require some polishing afterwards. [links]

[letharion]

This step can be the most important to ensure you get good results when sandblasting aluminum because while we have provided what has usually works well each specific project has its own unique factors to deal with and completing a small test blast will definitively show the end result a given blast media and pressure will provide as well as how long it will take to blast, helping you to properly bid your blasting work and ensure you like the result of the media and pressure you have chosen. More on estimating sandblasting costs here.

[detramartin112]

While aluminum is not as common to need to blast as other surfaces like steel, it can be needed at times, whether to remove paint off an aluminum bus or boat or something different there are a few key things to know when sandblasting aluminum to ensure you get good results. here

[praxeologist]

Sandblasting aluminum has its own unique challenges. By choosing a blast media that is appropriate like glass bead, soda, or aluminum oxide, starting at a low pressure and gradually increasing it, and completing a test area prior to blasting the entire product’s surface, you can ensure you will get results that are what you hoped for. [links]