tips for painting alummiun

[nz_carver]

Hi all I have a snooker cue case Id like to paint its alummiun
any tips to help me out

i,e prep, paint

thanks nz_carver

[Sir Stinkalot]

Perhaps look into getting it anodised. Shouldn't cost too much and would give great results.

[nihilism]

use etch primer

[wheelinround]

What they said or cover it in leather.

[mic-d]

or maybe have it powder coated

[conwood]

I have used that etching stuff used for pvc pipes, on aluminium and plastic before I paint. Works great for me and not too expensive.

cheers
conwood

[Durdge39]

Make sure the surface is clean, and give a slight scuff with some scotchbrite or something similar. Keep it warm (25-30 degrees is good) to avoid blushing in the paint, and then apply gentle coats of etch primer, but spend the dollars and buy good stuff. Another surface prep for aluminum is to Alodine it - but getting supplies smaller than 30l drums might be hard.

Personally I'd go for the anodised look - they can do some pretty nice stuff with that these days, colours and all.