Pretty much as the title asks. I am trying to find the best way to paint aluminum. Looking for prep work and best primer and paint to use if anyone has experience in it. Thanks!

havent done it but i'm pretty sure the process would be the same as if you were painting sheet metal..... i would scuff with some sand paper then couple coats of primer then top coat and then a couple coats of clear....

clean/degrease, scuff, aluminum etching primer(marine store), enamel spray can

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2005 fx4 level 2
Rhino'd Westin Brush Guard w/ Daylighters
Line x'd Bed

Thank you sir

I use to paint aluminum semi trucks for a living. What are you trying to accomplish?
In general, regular primer (laquer) will not adhere to aluminum. It needs to be clean, sanded and in some cases, etched with acid before aplying a primer. I always used an epoxy or self etching primer, followed with appropriate top coat.....

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2010 XLT 4X4
White
Bone stock

Ok cool, Thank you. I am thinking of doing a toolbox and headache rack

I did my toolbox as i said in my previous post to this thread. Did it last summer and still looks just as good. All of my time was spent in the prep work. I ended up buying some wire brush attachments for my drill to do the scuffing. Still took some time but it saved my arms. Oh yeah and if i remember right the primer was an anti-fouling spray can for boat props. Expensive but holding up very well.

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2005 fx4 level 2
Rhino'd Westin Brush Guard w/ Daylighters
Line x'd Bed

Awesome man, I appreciate the help!

id follow this guy or jwmu, ive never painted anything like this but 99% of all alum. tool boxes ive seen painted are chipping because they probably werent prepped right

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'99 Ranger XLT Reg. Cab Stepside
2.5L
2WD
5spd
K&N Filter
Air Box Mod
Explorer OHC
2/3 Drop
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