Before painting, priming is mandatory for any metal products, including those made of aluminum. Otherwise, these types of finishes do not hold up well and are not able to retain their appearance and original characteristics for a long time. It is necessary to use special materials intended for such surfaces, then the result will be better. One of them is primer for aluminum.
Painting aluminum, how to properly prepare it
This kind of work will definitely not be the easiest. The paint is likely to be distributed unevenly over the surface. After a while she gets off. There are several reasons:
- Surface tension. It is because of this that the surface often feels slippery and slightly greasy. Due to these properties, adhesion may be impaired;
- Presence of an oxide film. Oxygen in the air and pure metal quickly come into contact with each other. Due to this, the surface forms an oxide film. It is characterized by a heterogeneous structure and poor adhesion to other materials. This also applies to paint and varnish compositions;
- Smooth surface. The structure of the aluminum crystal lattice gives this effect. Because of this, paint particles have nothing to cling to.
Such features must be taken into account for coloring to be effective.
The paint is likely to be distributed unevenly over the surface.
What is primer for aluminum
Aluminum primer is a special composition that is suitable for high-quality surface treatment of the specified material. It has become widespread, including among motorists.
Aluminum primer is a special composition that is suitable for high-quality surface treatment of the specified material.
Errors when working with material
The main problem when painting aluminum is its excessive smoothness. The fact is that complex structures with roughness help increase adhesion. This makes the dye application better. However, these features are completely uncharacteristic of an aluminum surface.
To avoid problems, it is recommended to do the following:
- perform rough grinding - this can be done manually or use a grinder;
- carry out acid etching - this is possible due to the lack of resistance of aluminum to the influence of aggressive factors.
In this regard, aluminum is in an advantageous position. For example, priming steel is accompanied by various problems. This material is considered very durable, which is why it cannot be roughly sanded. In addition, the steel is resistant to acid etching.
Types of primers for aluminum
Each type of manufactured materials is accompanied by corresponding instructions from the manufacturer, along with a description of the main characteristics. This is very convenient, because it allows you to immediately make the right choice.
Each type of manufactured materials is accompanied by corresponding instructions from the manufacturer, along with a description of the main characteristics.
Aerosol primer
It is distributed over the surface after it has been thoroughly prepared. It is necessary to sand the products until a characteristic shine appears, which sandpaper helps with. Use a cloth with degreaser to remove any remaining stains. Application of primer for aluminum begins immediately; there is no need to wait for complete hardening. Otherwise, an oxide film appears, making future work difficult.
Shake the can a couple of times before use. When spraying, maintain a 25-centimeter distance to the surface, a right angle. Unpleasant smudges do not appear when the head does not linger at one point. The coating is multi-layered. Before the second application, no more than half an hour should pass after applying the first. Painting is available 2 hours after completion of the previous stage; the primer for aluminum is used slightly differently.
When spraying, maintain a 25 cm distance to the surface.
Two-component primer
Before application, the composition is prepared in special plastic containers. The main advantage is resistance to chemically active substances, including acids. Mixing can be carried out in any containers with a volume of up to 1 liter. 4:1 is the standard dilution ratio. The prepared solution can be applied approximately half an hour after initial mixing.
A pneumatic spray gun is best suited to apply such compounds. But ordinary foam rollers are also used if there are no other devices at hand. This is one of the answers to the question of how to prime aluminum before painting.
The main advantage is resistance to chemically active substances, including acids.
Features of soil for aluminum
The peculiarities lie in the composition of the primer, the basis of which is a suspension of zinc crown and acid thinner. The first ingredient is a yellowish pigment, due to which the primer adheres well even on complex surfaces. Other characteristics of this component include elasticity and impact strength. The diluent is an alcohol based on an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid. This ingredient serves to etch the surface of products during processing.
The most popular brands of primers for aluminum
Hand sanding or grinders are used when sanding to solve problems with aluminum surfaces. Due to the protection against acidic substances, etching with their help is permissible. The correct choice of composition also plays a role.
Hand sanding or grinders are used when sanding to solve problems with aluminum surfaces.
Primer brand VL-02
Manufactured taking into account all the requirements described in GOST 12707-77. A two-component composition based on thinners. To create the base for this primer, other types of components can be used:
- Acidic additives that dissolve the surface. Usually these are aqueous-alcoholic solutions to which orthophosphoric acid is added;
- Polyvinyl butyral. Formed when butyraldehydes react with polyvinyl alcohol. Guarantees increased adhesion to non-ferrous metals. Resistance to mechanical damage after application is guaranteed;
- High concentration zinc crown. Pigmented substance of a yellow tint, protected from corrosion.
A two-component composition based on thinners.
Body brand primer
A foreign company that has released its own alternative to domestic developments. In the case of non-ferrous metals, a variety marked 969 is used. There is an acid etch primer from the same manufacturer, with its own characteristics and scope of application.
In the case of non-ferrous metals, the variety marked 969 is used.
VL-08
Forms a greenish-yellow protective film. Retains its properties for at least 6 months and requires a minimum of two layers of application. Forms a semi-matte glaze coating and is an elastic type of protection.
Retains its properties for at least 6 months and requires a minimum of two layers of application.
GF 031
Glypthal paint and varnish material. Designed to protect structures that are also operated at elevated temperatures. The main thing is to thoroughly mix the composition until a homogeneous mixture is formed. A brush or pneumatic method is best for spreading over the surface.
Designed to protect structures that are also operated at elevated temperatures.
Zinc-based whitewash
An absolutely white product with a slight bluish tint, if we talk about its original appearance. Absolutely devoid of any odors. Protected from the effects of harmful microorganisms and bacteria, does not collapse if they are present.
They have the following positive properties:
- Weather resistance;
- Compatible with different types of paints;
- Easy application;
- Sun color protection;
- Low toxicity.
Protected from the effects of harmful microorganisms and bacteria, does not collapse if they are present.
EP-51
Enamel intended for painting primed products made of metal, which includes aluminum. The suspension must be thoroughly mixed before application until the sediment is completely eliminated. In this case, the surface to be treated must be dry and smooth, free from serious contamination. Then painting everything will be easy.
The surface to be treated must be dry and level, free from serious contamination.
Choosing paint based on the primer used
Primer for aluminum wheels
Article on the topic: Dutch style in the interior
Paint and primer are components that must be selected based on each other. But if we think that the paint is applied after the primer, then we choose paintwork materials depending on the primer used. The list of primers for aluminum is very long and here are some of them:
- VL-02 and VL-08
- GF-031
- Zinc white
- EP-51 – white epoxy paint
When choosing paint, you should also focus on the manufacturer’s price. There are a lot of cheap mixtures, but many do not take risks and use only high-quality materials. For myself, I have identified several brands that have long proven themselves only on the good side. This is Tikkurila, HEMPEL, Dyukson. Always look at the palettes and read reviews about paintwork materials. In my own experience, I have already verified that white mixtures fade much faster than the discoloration of colored paints. And this is all despite the manufacturers’ stated properties of protection against ultraviolet rays.
Features of priming old aluminum coatings
The need to clean the top layer is the main question that in this case arises before starting work. If there is no peeling, such actions are not required. Or when the quality and characteristics of the old material completely correspond to the new one.
In other circumstances, organic removers are used to get rid of old bases. The removal technology is selected in accordance with the strength of aluminum. After applying the remover, the metal is covered with polyethylene for half an hour. Wrapping in a rag with a remover is sufficient for small parts. Wooden or plastic scrapers are used to remove softened paint.
The removal technology is selected in accordance with the strength of aluminum.
Acid soil, application
- Original panels are factory galvanized and electroplated to provide corrosion protection. When repairing surfaces polished to metal, they lose their protective properties. Therefore, to ensure excellent anti-corrosion properties, it is necessary to apply an etching primer.
- If there is a small amount of rust that cannot be removed, you can also use acid primer.
- If you have a structure or part with clean metal and places that are difficult to reach for abrasive treatment, you can use an acid primer to prepare for applying the next layer of acrylic primer.
- Before priming with secondary primer and painting non-ferrous metals, it is recommended to increase adhesion with a wash primer.
The “competitor” of acid primer is epoxy primer. You can read the article about the differences between these soils and the subtleties of application.
Primer application process
When applying paint, it is important to clean the surface to be treated beforehand until it shines. For this, sandpaper is often used. Then the materials are degreased, and glue is applied at the next stage.
Shake the containers with primer well, and when applying, maintain a distance of 25 cm from the surface. The use of two-component primers for aluminum requires slightly different instructions:
- Cleaning before applying protective coating;
- Mixing the product in a separate container;
- Take a spray bottle or spray bottle to make mixing more convenient;
- Two-layer application.
Paint and varnish coatings save aluminum products from premature aging and the appearance of defects.
Shake the canisters with primer well and maintain a distance of 25 cm from the surface when applying.
Is it possible to prime at home and how to do it?
Anodizing is used at home, but more often the technology is replaced with something else. If it is present, the service life increases. But organizing the process on your own causes a lot of inconvenience. It is better to choose simple aerosols. Work is carried out in personal protective equipment, with ventilation in the room.
It is better to choose simple aerosols.
Results
For any surface, it is very important to use high-quality and most suitable materials. However, for aluminum this is extremely important due to its smooth structure, which cannot ensure good adhesion. That is why use a special primer, which will serve as an excellent basis for paintwork.
Primer for trunk lid
Give preference to certified materials and do not buy cheap, untested soils. For ease of application, you can use aerosols, which, although a little more expensive, are still more convenient to use with your own hands. Only good soil will be the basis for the long service life of an aluminum product.
What determines the quality of work?
The surface is treated without oil, dirty marks or deposits. This must be taken care of before work begins. The procedure itself does not include many steps. The following procedure can be used not only at home, but also in production, in workshops:
- Acid pickling, degreasing. Required for complete removal of the oxide film.
- Conversion layer. Improves adhesion between paint and processing materials.
- Removing the surface from salt residues. The main thing is to choose high quality water.
- At the fourth stage, drying is carried out.
Acetone or other types of similar solvents can be used when the job is being done at home. Next, an aerosol is applied, which takes up to 24 hours to dry.
Acetone or other types of similar solvents can be used when the job is being done at home.
Any surface requires quality materials that best match the base. The smooth aluminum structure can become a serious problem if nothing is done. A special primer will increase adhesion and ensure the preservation of the original characteristics for the maximum period of time. You should not save; it is recommended to give preference to manufacturers who have received all possible certificates.
The main thing is surface preparation
Primer for aluminum bicycle frame
We always wonder what paint to choose and how to properly apply it to walls and various surfaces. But, unfortunately, we do not always pay constant attention to preparing the foundation and materials for this process. I want to say right away that the adhesion of aluminum to paints and varnishes is very low. This is due to the smoothness of aluminum products.
Important! Always choose only specialized soils from manufacturers with quality certificates. Aluminum products are sold in aerosol cans.
To apply the aerosol, you need to do some things with the surface to be painted. Let's divide them into 4 stages:
- We etch aluminum with acid and degrease the surface
- Using chromate treatment we create a conversion layer. This event improves the adhesion of soil and paintwork materials.
- Using water, wash the aluminum from salt residues. To do this, use only good purified water
- Dry the area to be painted
This technology occurs in factory painting conditions, and therefore, if you apply primers for aluminum with your own hands, then use acetone or another solvent, which can be used to remove grease stains and dirt from the surface. Before applying the aerosol, the aluminum is sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. After this, it is possible to apply primer on aluminum, which dries on average within a day.
Primer for aluminum boat
The surface of the boat should be treated to ensure good adhesion of the paint and base, as well as to prevent the negative effects of water. The most popular primers are mixtures labeled VL-023, as well as VL-02. In addition to them, epoxy primers are suitable for the job.
Vl-023 is a two-component material with an acid diluent and a base. The role of an acid diluent is performed by a solution of phosphoric acid and alcohol. The mixture boasts the creation of an excellent anti-corrosion phosphate layer on the treated surface.
The VL-02 mixture is considered to be a universal product that can be applied to almost any metal surface. The exception is products made of steel and cast iron. In addition, the material goes well with a large number of finishing enamels and putties. The coating that forms after applying the primer significantly increases the anti-corrosion properties of the metal, which leads to an increase in service life, as well as improved adhesion of paint and varnish coatings.
