Painting Aluminum Extrusions

tc70518

I am currently working on a project that requires me to paint my aluminum canopy frame. I bought some aluminum brightener/cleaner, some acid etch yellow primer, and the paint.

I need to buy a paint sprayer for this and future jobs like this, but I don't want to break the bank. Is there a particular type of sprayer I need for this application. Should I buy one that needs dilution or not. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

ModernStyle

go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a cheap airless, I know we all hate going to those places, but if you arent going to be using the sprayer alot then a cheap one would probably do the trick.
Why would you brighten the aluminum before painting it ?? I would just hit it with a DTM primer and top coat with your favorite exterior latex.

tc70518

I only use architectural grade, mill finished aluminum that has a really polished finish. We've just primed and painted it before, but it still peels pretty easily due to the finish. The brightener is an acid solvent, and I've heard, from multiple sources, to use it on that type of aluminum before painting it. I know very little about painting though.

jfranklin

were they oil based? use waterbased primer and finish on aluminum and it will last. dtm should work good.

tc70518

It was galvanized primer. Not really suitable for the application I guess.

DavidNTX

Galvanized primer is a cementitious coating and has a bad effect when in contact with aluminum. Use a good acrylic, DTM is your best shot. Be sure it has plenty of curing time (10 days or so) for good adhesion.