Painting Aluminum - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

personalt · 12-28-2007, 02:28 PM

Is it possible to paint an aluminum drip cap? I have a strange color window that I cant really get coil to match at all close...

I would think you could with metal paint but I have never tried this before, I normally just get matching coil and bend what I need.

dkillianjr · 12-28-2007, 03:02 PM

I don't see why not. I would scuff it up and then just spray it. I know my supplier sells paint to match popular window and coil colors.

Dave

Grumpy · 12-28-2007, 03:12 PM

I see it done all the time, all aluminum siding painted. I'm not paitner but I would definetly think you'd want some metal paint. My guess would be a light sanding of the surface, then perhaps a metal primer and finally at least one coat of the paint. If it were for my house probably 2 coats.

You can just spray paint it with some $3 off the shelf crap but I don't think that'd stick too long without a good prep.

JCpresto · 12-28-2007, 07:40 PM

Sure you can paint it. Make sure its clean, and break the surface with some 180 grit. Ben Moore soft gloss bonds very nicely to it. Kinda pricey but it lasts.

painter jeff · 12-28-2007, 08:02 PM

Survey says........J.C. you have the right answer......Good for the little under dog.........You seem to be getting beat up lately......

MrRSBMHandyman · 12-31-2007, 02:58 PM

I have a good friend that owns an automotive rim repair business, and he uses an etching primer on all the aluminum wheels before painting the open pockets or hole in the rims. You can buy a spray can of etching primer at almost any auto parts store

HomeSealed · 01-26-2008, 05:50 PM

Etching primer is just for bare metal. I'm guessing that it would be changing color in which case I usually just scuff and spray.

tool junkie · 02-01-2008, 01:44 PM

Aluminum takes paint well. Just make sure its clean and sanded and that you use an oil based primer. You can use latex finish at that point but I would go oil base all the way.