A basic, bonding primer is adequate for preparing most surfaces for proper paint adhesion. However, because metallic surfaces are slick and non-porous, they require special types of primer to prevent paint from peeling and chipping at some point in the future. If you plan to paint brushed aluminum, you'll need to use an etching primer to prepare the surface, or the paint simply won't stick. There are a few additional preparation and application steps to address before you begin painting.
Things You'll Need:
- Dish soap
- Coarse brush
- Etching primer
- Painter's pot, 1-gallon
- Oil-based paintbrush, 3- to 4-inch
- Mineral spirits
- Latex paintbrush, 3- to 4-inch
- Latex paint
Scrub the brushed aluminum with water, ordinary dish soap and a coarse brush. Rinse the metal thoroughly. Allow the surface to dry completely before continuing.
Pour etching primer into the 1-gallon painter's pot. Fill it to just about one-third capacity.
Apply etching primer to the brushed aluminum using the 3- to 4-inch, oil-based paintbrush. Brush vertically, moving from left to right. Apply a light coat. Do not over-apply, as this will lead to runs and drips.
Allow the primer to dry and cure for four hours.
Pour any leftover etching primer back into its original container. Clean the oil-based paintbrush at least three times using mineral spirits. Clean the 1-gallon painter's pot once with mineral spirits.
Apply latex paint to the brushed aluminum in the same manner as you did the etching primer in Step 3. Use a 3- to 4-inch latex paintbrush.
Tip
Use water to clean the latex paintbrush. Do not use mineral spirits, as this will ruin the brush.
Warnings:
- Dish soap can greatly interfere with paint adhesion. Be sure to rinse away all of the dish soap completely before applying any primer.
Writer Bio
Ryan Lawrence is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado. He has been writing professionally since 1999. He has 10 years of experience as a professional painting contractor. Lawrence writes for High Class Blogs and Yodle. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations with a minor in history from the University of Oklahoma.
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