How to paint metal is almost the same as the painting process in general. However, the process of preparing a metal surface for painting is quite different. Once the aluminum has been cleaned, sanded, and primed, you can start painting it. The process is quite easy, but it may take a lot of time. This is because you need to wait for each coat of primer, paint, and sealer to dry. However, the results of this process will not betray your efforts.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready
Step 1. Clean the aluminum with warm water and a degreaser
Fill a basin or bucket with warm water, then add a small amount of the oil-removing solution. Soak the rag in the solution, then clean the aluminum with the rag. After wiping, rinse the aluminum with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution that is still attached. Dry the aluminum with a clean cloth. You can purchase an oil-removal solution at your nearest home supply store. Dish soap is a good alternative.
Skip this step if you want to remove the old paint. The chemicals used in this process can help clean the aluminum.
Step 2. Remove old paint using paint remover
Follow the instructions for use on the paint remover package. Generally, you will need to pour a paint remover solution on the aluminum, wait a few minutes, then scrape it off with a paint scraper.
- Use " after wash " to remove the remaining paint that is still attached. You can buy after wash at the nearest hardware store.
- Rinse the aluminum surface with water, then dry with a clean cloth.
Step 3. Scrape off the rust on the aluminum with warm water, an oil-removing solution, and a wire brush
Wet the aluminum with a solution made from a mixture of warm water and an oil-removing solution. Scrub the rusty aluminum parts with a wire brush. Rinse the aluminum with clean water. Dry the aluminum surface with a clean cloth.
- Alternatively, you can use a product specifically designed to remove rust. Try looking for this product at the nearest building store.
- Make sure the aluminum is free from rust. Rust can prevent paint from sticking properly.
Step 4. Put on protective eyewear, gloves, and a mask
This stage is very important. When sanded, aluminum will spread large amounts of dust particles into the air. Make sure these dust particles are not inhaled while sanding the aluminum.
Not all masks have the same level of effectiveness. When choosing a mask, choose a mask that can protect you from dust
Step 5. Smooth the aluminum using coarse and fine sandpaper
Sand the entire aluminum surface using 80 or 100 sandpaper, in a circular motion. Remove the dust using a cloth, then sand the aluminum again using sandpaper 400.
- You can use sandpaper with a higher fineness when sanding the aluminum a second time.
- If the 80 or 100 sandpaper causes deep enough scratches, sand the aluminum again using 200 or 300 sandpaper.
- This process is done so that the base paint can stick to the aluminum surface easily.
Step 6. Rinse the aluminum surface with warm water and an oil-removing solution
Fill a basin or bucket with warm water, then add a small amount of the oil-removing solution. Rinse the aluminum with this solution. After that, rinse the aluminum using clean water. Let the aluminum dry on its own.
- This stage is quite important because it can remove the attached dust. Adhered dust can make the paint look imperfect.
- Alternatively, you can dry the aluminum with a cloth.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Base Paint
Step 1. Purchase a self-etching primer
Don't use a regular primer, even if the label says "for metal". The primer is not a good choice. Purchase a self-etching primer at a local hardware store or repair shop.
Read the information on the primer can for ideal conditions for painting. Generally, there is information about the ideal temperature for painting listed on the paint can.
Step 2. Use masking tape to protect the aluminum parts you don't want to paint
If you want to protect a large surface area, cover it with paper or plastic first, then tape the edges.
Remove the tape and paper after the paint or sealer has dried
Step 3. Choose an area with good air circulation
While you can paint the aluminum with a brush, you'll still need to apply the primer first. Spray primer contains an aerosol that can release chemicals. These chemicals can cause headaches or dizziness.
- Open space is the best option. However, you can also choose a closed room that is spacious and has good ventilation and the windows open. A respirator must always be worn.
- Do not paint aluminum when it is raining or damp so that the paint drying process is not disturbed.
Step 4. Spray the primer evenly on the aluminum surface
Shake the can of primer for 30-60 seconds. After that, hold the can at a distance of about 20 cm from the aluminum surface. Spray a thin, even coat of primer on top of each other. You can apply the primer horizontally or from top to bottom. Make sure the base coat is slightly overlapped when applied so that the entire aluminum surface is covered.
- Always follow the instructions for use on the paint can.
- If you want to paint both sides of the aluminum, allow the first side to dry completely before applying the primer on the second side.
Step 5. Allow the primer to dry for 15 minutes before applying the second coat
Check the can of primer to see how long you need to wait before applying a second coat. Most primers generally have an “interlayer” drying time. Read the “interlayer” drying time.
How long the primer will take to dry depends on the brand you use. Generally, you should wait for 5 to 15 minutes
Step 6. Apply the second and third coats, then wait for 1 hour for the primer to harden
Check the primer can to see how many coats of primer you need. Also know how long you have to wait for the primer to harden. Generally, you will need 3-4 coats of primer, and wait 1 hour for the primer to harden.
- Be patient and allow the primer to harden. Otherwise, the paint and primer may peel off.
- Check the instructions for use on the base paint can to see how long it will take for the paint to set.
- Remember, apply each coat of primer not too thick. This can help speed up the paint hardening process. If it's too thick, the primer may stick or peel off.
Step 7. Sand the aluminum using 400 sandpaper if necessary
After the primer has hardened, observe it carefully. If you are satisfied with the results, you can move on to the next step. If the primer looks too rough, grainy, or untidy, smooth the surface of the paint using 400 sandpaper.
- Do not forget to clean the dust on the paint surface using a cloth.
- Check the tape sticking to the aluminum after doing this. If the edges look frayed, remove the tape and replace it with a new one.
Part 3 of 3: Applying Paint
Step 1. Purchase acrylic paint or latex paint
For satisfactory results, choose a paint with a matte or satin look. Although glossy paint can be used as an option, it should not be used so that the defects on the aluminum surface are not clearly visible.
- Since you have already applied the base coat, you can use any type of paint. The paint used does not have to be labeled “for metal”.
- If aluminum will be stored outdoors, choose a paint labeled “exterior” or “outdoor”.
- Spray paint will be easier to apply, but you can also use brush paint.
Step 2. Apply paint thinly and evenly
Regardless of the type of paint used: brush paint or spray paint, this step is very important. Just like applying primer, apply paint in straight, overlapping strokes. Paint can be applied horizontally or vertically. However, make sure the paint is applied in one direction.
- If using a paint brush, use a flat, wide brush made of synthetic fiber. Do not use brushes made of fine camel hair or coarse boar hair.
- If using spray paint, shake the spray can for about 1 minute. After that, spray the paint with a distance of about 20 cm from the surface of the aluminum.
- If you want to color things from multiple sides, start at the top and sides. After the paint dries, paint the underside.
Step 3. Wait for the paint to dry for 15 minutes
How long you have to wait will depend on the type of paint used. In general, you need to wait for 5-15 minutes. You don't have to wait for the coat of paint to dry as you will be adding another coat.
Check the paint can to see how long you need to wait for the paint to dry before applying the next coat
Step 4. Add up to 3 coats of paint, and allow each coat to dry for 15 minutes
After the first coat of paint dries, you can apply the next coat. Check the paint can to see how many coats of paint to apply. Also know how long you have to wait for each coat of paint to dry.
- You don't have to wait for the paint to harden before applying the next coat.
- In general, you will need at least 2 coats of paint.
Step 5. Allow the paint to dry and harden completely
How long this process takes will depend on the type of paint used. If the paint can shows the drying and hardening time of the paint, know the hardening time. Drying and hardening are two different things. Generally, paint takes 24-72 hours to harden.
- Paint that feels "dry" to the touch is not necessarily dry on the inside. After the paint hardens, you can be sure that all parts of the paint are dry.
- If you want the unpainted aluminum parts to have the same protective layer, remove the protective tape.
Step 6. Apply 2 to 4 coats of clear enamel (enamel) paint, and allow each coat to dry
Just like applying paint, apply a thin clear enamel paint with overlapping strokes. Allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next coat. How long you have to wait will depend on the type of enamel paint used.
- Spray enamel paint in the same way as spray primer
- Apply enamel paint using a synthetic bristle brush in straight, overlapping strokes.
- Enamel paints have different glosses: matte, satin, and glossy. Choose the type of enamel paint that suits your taste. However, glossy enamel paint will make the defects on the aluminum surface more visible.
Step 7. Let the enamel paint harden for 24-72 hours
Since each brand of enamel paint has different characteristics, read the instructions for use on the paint can to see how long you need to wait. If the tape was not removed in the previous step, wait for the enamel paint to dry and harden before removing the tape.
Do not use aluminum before the enamel paint has hardened to prevent the paint from sticking
Tips
- The type of paint used will not affect the final result. This is because the paint will stick to the base paint, not the aluminum.
- If there are areas that you don't want to color, cover them with masking tape before applying the primer. Remove the tape after the paint dries.
- If the paint peels off when the tape is removed, patch up the peeling area using the remaining paint and a small brush. Don't forget to apply the sealer afterwards
