What is a good primer for aluminum?

GoldenMotor.com

chainmaker

Well-Known Member
Jan 19, 2010
2,634
69
48
Ma USA
Mike
I have used Dupli color engine enamel primer and paint for all my bikes, it only comes in a few colors but is very resistant to gas and oil if you let it cure according to directions. Hope that is some help.
 

BarelyAWake

New Member
Jul 21, 2009
7,194
21
0
Maine
Surface preparation is often far more an issue then which primer, while usually you'd use an etching primer for a material like aluminum - a light frosting with a fine abrasive then decontamination with denatured alcohol (caution, extremely flammable) & a terrycloth rag enables any basic metal primer to adhere well. There's a plethora of products made specifically for painting aluminum, yet with attentive surface prep I've used nothing fancier then Rustoleum sandable primer on aluminum with great success.
 

2door

Moderator
Staff member
Sep 15, 2008
16,302
175
63
Littleton, Colorado
Ditto on both counts except I found DupliColor clear is not very gasoline compatible. I use their color coats almost exclusively but TopFlite model airplane clear to protect the colors.
 

msrfan

Well-Known Member
Sep 17, 2010
1,808
120
63
Southern California
Zinc Chromate primer is what I used back in the 60's when I worked at Nordskog making airplane galleys. I see it's still available and recommended for aluminum.
 

trackfodder

Member
Sep 8, 2008
347
3
18
I wonder if powder coating might work. The frame is sandblasted first. A good mechanical foot and sealed from moisture it should work. I think it is polyurethane but may be wrong.