You are on the right track because Alodine and zinc chromate each provide a
good basis for making coatings stick to aluminum. Do not try painting
aluminum without pre-treatment because the naturally formed oxide on the
surface will prevent any coating from sticking. At first the coating will
seem OK but it won't take long for the coating to lift off the substrate.
Here's a link that answers your question with a bit more detail:
http://www.ronjoseph.com/Q&A/B2001_painting_aluminum.htm
Best regards,
Rob Housman
Irvine, California
Europa XS Tri-Gear
S/N A070
Airframe complete
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Andrew Sarangan
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 8:54 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Painting metal parts
I know nothing about painting, except for routine touchups I have done
around the house. Now I have to decide how to paint Europa's external
metal parts such as flap arms. All my metal parts have been treated
with alodine and sprayed with zinc chromate. I am assuming that no
further primer is needed before top coat. But what kind of top coat
should I use? Can I use the garden variety Krylon brand spray paint
---From the hardware store? Any special considerations?
Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
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