Painting aluminum trim

[rooster]

Hey guys and gals; My tear is polar white aluminum. If I use regular aluminum trim and want to paint it, is there someting I have to do to it before I paint it white?

Jim,

[doug hodder]

You'll need to scuff sand it with something like 150...just to give the primer a "tooth" to attach to....you could also do an acid wash on it...but for the size of the pieces...sand paper is a lot less mess and cheaper in the long run...just use fine enough paper that the primer will hide the scratches prior to shooting the top coat...and I would think that you will want to paint if after it is on the tear...depending on the radius you want to bend it could be a problem getting the paint to flex...you'll have to put it on...mask off the surrounding areas and paint the trim...test paint and bend a piece for practice ....Doug

[Rick Sheerin]

Did you ever consider having the parts powdercoated? It would be a lot more durable than painting them.

[ssrjim]

Hey guys and gals; My tear is polar white aluminum. If I use regular aluminum trim and want to paint it, is there someting I have to do to it before I paint it white?

Jim,

You need a special primer.

[alaska teardrop]

Hey Rooster - Is your rig still Polar White or looking a little like Grey Volcanic Ash? Fred

[doug hodder]

As an ex-Alaskan...didn't hear...did Redoubt fart again? doug

[alaska teardrop]

Doug - Augustine. http://www.adn.com/news/environment/ear ... 4255c.html Fred

[rooster]

Sorry Fred, no ash this time.

Jim,

[TRAIL-OF-TEARS]

rooster,
you could install it to get the bends right then take it off and paint/powder coat then re-install. that might be easier than masking and over spray problems.
Also most RV places (at least around here) carry alum trim in the polar white only.