Best way to paint thin sheet Aluminum

[bgaidan]

I have some small pieces of 3/16" AL that I need to paint one side of.

I'm still not sure what the best methods are for prepping and priming.


Right now, I'm hitting the surface with a 3M 150 grit pad to knock down and gloss. Then I'm planning on wiping them down with accetone.


The only paint I can find that will give the finish I want is Rus-Oleum Painter's Touch semi gloss black so I'm pretty much set on that.


The primer is my main question. Do I need it? What's the best type to use?

[threadkiller]

You'll need zinc chromate primer. You can usually find it at marine supply stores. It's fairly expensive. It was $11 a can the last time I bought the stuff.

Rustoleum is shit in my experience. Have you looked into any industrial coatings? I know Sherwin Williams DTM can be sprayed on aluminum without primer. It would be cheaper in the long run...

[TN bronco]

I like the dupli color self etching primer. I have used this on bare aluminum and on fiberglass with good results. Sold at carquest and probably a lot of other places as well.