How to Paint on Aluminum

Painting metal is similar to painting any material. The main difference is how you prepare the surface before painting. After cleaning, sanding and priming, you can paint the aluminum surface just like plastic or wood. The whole process is quite simple but time consuming as you have to wait for each coat (primer, top coat, and waterproofing) to dry and cure time. However, the results are worth the effort!

Table of Contents

Project preparation

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Clean aluminum surfaces with warm water and grease cleaner. Fill a tub or bucket with warm water, then add a generous amount of grease cleaner. Dip a rag in the solution and use it to wipe the aluminum surface. Rinse with clean water to remove residue, then dry with a towel. You can buy grease cleaners at your convenience store. Dish soap is also a very good choice. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Skip this step if you want to remove old paint . The chemicals used in this process will help clean the aluminum.

Use paint remover to remove old paint. Follow the instructions that come with the paint remover as each brand will be different. Usually you’ll pour that solution onto the metal, wait a few minutes, and then scrape the paint off with a scraper. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Use the “after cleaning solution” to remove the paint remover. You can find this solution near the paint remover location in the hardware store.
Rinse the surface with clean water, then dry with a clean cloth.

Scrape off the rust with warm water, a degreaser, and a wire brush. Wet the metal with a solution of warm water and degreaser. Scrub the rusted areas with a wire brush, then rinse with clean water. Finally, use a clean cloth to dry the surface. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Alternatively, you can use a product specifically designed to remove rust; Buy this product at a convenience store.
Do not leave any rust spots as it will prevent the paint from sticking to the surface.

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Wear safety glasses, work gloves, and a mask. This step is very important. The process of scrubbing the old paint layer will generate a lot of small dust into the air. Metal dust is definitely not something you want to breathe in. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Not all dust masks are created equal. When buying a mask, you should buy one used to prevent grinding dust.

Sand the metal surface with coarse sandpaper and then fine sandpaper. Scrub the entire surface in a circular and even motion with 80 or 100-grit sandpaper. Wipe off dust with a towel and scrub again with 400-grit sandpaper. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

You can use a higher 400-grit sandpaper on the second sanding.
If 80- or 100-grit sandpaper produces deep scratches, use 200- and 300-grit sandpaper before switching to 400-grit.
Grinding the metal surface will help the primer stick more firmly.

Rinse the surface with warm water and degreaser. Fill a tub or bucket with warm water, then add a generous amount of grease cleaner. Wash metal surfaces with this solution, then rinse with clean water. Let the metal object dry before continuing. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

This is very important, otherwise abrasive dust will create defects in the paintwork.
Or you can clean the metal with a dedicated duster. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Primer for the surface

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Buy a can of self-engraving primer. Don’t use regular primer even if it says “for metal” on the label. These two are not the same. Buy a can of “self-engraving primer” at a hardware store or auto supply store.

Plan ahead by reading the label on the can for ideal paint conditions. Most paint brands will indicate the ideal working environment temperature range .

Cover the areas you don’t want to paint with masking tape. If you need to cover a large area, cover it with paper or plastic first, then tape the edges around it.

You will remove the masking tape and sheeting once the paint and/or waterproof coating has dried.

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Find a well-ventilated place to work. With the main paint, you can use a brush, but the primer must be sprayed. The gas in the paint can escape when you paint, which can cause headaches and dizziness.

Working outdoors is best, otherwise you should choose a large, well-ventilated room with an open window. Gas masks are indispensable.
Do not paint if it is raining or wet, as it will affect the curing process.

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Spray a self-engraving primer onto the aluminum surface. Shake the paint can well for about 30-60 seconds, then hold the can about 20cm from the surface. Spray paint in strips that overlap each other, thin and even. You can spray horizontally or vertically. Each strip just overlaps the edge slightly to ensure even coverage.

If the manufacturer has different paint instructions, you should follow them.
If you’re working with a multi-faceted object, let the first side dry before painting the other faces.

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Let the primer dry for 15 minutes before applying a second coat. Check the can of paint to see exactly how long to wait before applying a second coat. Most primers will have a “between coat” drying time and curing time. You need to refer to this time. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

The time it takes for the primer to dry depends on the brand of paint you’re using. Usually you will have to wait 5 to 15 minutes.

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Apply 2 to 3 more coats, then wait about 1 hour to cure the primer. Again, read the instructions for exactly how many coats of primer to apply and how long to cure the paint. Usually you need to spray about 3-4 coats of primer and curing time is 1 hour. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Please be patient and wait for the curing time to expire. If you don’t wait enough time, the paint and primer may peel off.
Carefully check the instructions on the can for specific curing times.
Remember to apply a thin coat of primer. A thin spray will help the paint to cure properly. If you apply a thick layer, the primer may become slimy or peel off.

Sand the defect locations with 400-grit sandpaper if necessary. After the primer has cured, take a close look. If satisfied with the surface then move on to the next step. If it looks bumpy, pitted, or drippy, lightly sand the surface with 400-grit sandpaper. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Then, remember to wipe the surface with a dedicated dust cloth.
Double-check the tape after this step. If the edge of the tape is frayed, peel it off and apply new tape.

Paint

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Buy acrylic or latex paint. For best results, you should choose paint with a matte or smooth finish. Although glossy paint can be used, you should not use it, as it will reveal imperfections in the metal.

Since you’ve primed it, any paint can be used. The paint cans do not have to be written “for metal”.
If the object you are painting is to be used outdoors, choose paint that says “exterior” or “outdoor”.
Spray paint is the easiest to use, but you can use brush paint.

Spray or apply a thin, even coat of paint. This is important, regardless of whether you are using spray paint or varnish. As with the primer, you will spray or apply the paint in straight, overlapping bands. Paint horizontally or vertically, but always paint in a certain direction.

If you’re using paint, use a wide, flat brush made of synthetic fibers. Avoid using brushes made from camel or wild boar hair.
If you are using spray paint, shake the can for about 1 minute, then hold it 20cm away from the surface while spraying.
For a multi-faceted object, start painting on the top and sides. After the paint dries, continue painting the bottom.

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Wait about 15 minutes until the paint is dry to the touch. The time it takes for the paint to dry depends on the type of paint you’re using. In general, you will only have to wait 5-15 minutes. You don’t need to wait for the curing time for this coat as more layers will be applied.

Read the instructions on the paint can carefully to see how long to wait between coats.

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Apply 3 more coats, wait for each coat to dry for about 15 minutes. Once the paint feels dry, you can apply the next coat. Read the instructions to find out how many coats to apply, and how long to wait to dry between coats. ^{[11] X Research Source}

You don’t need to wait for curing time between coats.
Usually you will need at least 2 coats of paint.

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Allow paint to dry and cure completely, approximately 24 to 72 hours. Again, this time depends on the type of paint you use. If the paint can shows both the drying time and the curing time, you should follow the curing time. The concept of drying is different from curing. This period lasts about 24-72 hours.

Just because the paint feels dry to the touch doesn’t mean it’s dry underneath. After the curing period, you can be sure that the paint is completely dry.
If you want the unpainted metal part to have the same finish as the painted part, remove the tape now.

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Apply 2-4 coats of enamel paint, remember to wait for each coat to dry before applying another. As with the main paint, you will apply thin layers in overlapping strips. Wait for each coat to dry before applying the next. The drying time will depend on the enamel paint you are using. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Spraying enamel paint is similar to applying primer or main paint.
If using paint, you should choose a brush with bristles made of synthetic resin, and sweep in straight, overlapping strips.
Enamel paints come in a variety of finishes: matte, smooth, and glossy. Choose a paint you like, but remember that gloss will reveal imperfections.

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Wait for the enamel paint to fully cure, about 24 to 72 hours. Since each brand of paint will be different, you should read the instructions on the package for the exact curing time. If you leave the previously applied tape in place, wait until the waterproofing paint dries and cures before removing the tape.

Do not use the metal object before the enamel paint has cured, or the paint will become slimy.

Advice

Paint finish is not as important as primer. That’s because the paint finish sticks to the primer, not the metal surface.
If there is a place you don’t want to paint, use masking tape on it before applying primer. Peel off the tape after the paint dries.
If the paint peels off after you’ve removed the tape, use leftover paint and a small paintbrush to cover it up. Don’t forget to apply waterproof paint afterwards.

Things you need

Water
Degreaser or dish soap
Iron brush (rub rust)
Paint remover and after-wash solution (to remove old paint)
80- and 400-grit . sandpaper
Specialized dusty wipes
Old rags
Goggles
Glove
Dust mask
Gas masks
Self-engraving primer
spray paint
Transparent enamel paint

Steps

Project preparation

Primer for the surface

Paint

Advice

Things you need

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