How To Paint Over Anodized Aluminum

By  Ryan Lawrence

Things Needed

  • Dish soap

  • Coarse brush

  • 1-gallon painter's pot

  • 2- to 4-inch oil-based paintbrush

  • Etching primer

  • Mineral spirits

  • Oil-based paint

Tip

You may use latex paint instead of oil-based paint. However, be sure to use a latex paintbrush to apply it.

Warning

Etching primer is ideal for conditioning anodized aluminum for paint adhesion. Do not use an ordinary bonding primer or the final finish may chip and peel.

Anyone who has every tried to paint over anodized aluminum without priming first knows that chipping and peeling is virtually inevitable. Because anodized aluminum is slick and non-porous, it just doesn't hold paint very well. However, if you need to paint over anodized aluminum, there are a couple of preparation techniques you can employ that will allow you to achieve an attractive, long-lasting finish.

Step 1

Clean the surface of the anodized aluminum using water, dish soap and a coarse brush. Rinse away all of the soap or you will have trouble with adhesion. Allow the surface to dry.

Step 2

Pour etching primer into a 1-gallon painter' s pot. Fill it to no more than two-thirds capacity.

Step 3

Apply the etching primer to the anodized aluminum using the 2- to 4-inch paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry for two full hours.

Step 4

Clean the brush at least three times using mineral spirits.

Step 5

Apply oil-based paint to the anodized aluminum in the same manner as you did the primer. Allow the surface to dry for two hours. Apply additional coats as necessary.

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