If you are looking to revamp your outdoor space with the vision of freshly painted cast aluminum patio furniture or mailbox you’ve come to the right place. With a few simple steps and the right supplies, you’ll have your outdoor furniture looking bold and beautiful in no time.
But before you can even pick up a brush, you’ll need to know about priming aluminum for painting. In this article, we’ll cover what to know about priming so you can get started on your project and make sure the best cast aluminum furniture or mailbox stays looking its best for years to come.
Our recommendations:
- Paint Brushes: Pro Grade – 5 Ea – Paint Brush Set
Five cheap ($9) and simple-to-use paintbrushes. - Primer: Rust-Oleum 8781502 Stops Rust Aluminum Flat Primer, 32 Fl Oz
Effective and easy to apply on cast aluminum (32 fl oz for less than $20).
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Why should you prime aluminum before painting
Every do-it-yourselfer knows that the key to a successful painting job is to start with proper preparation. When it comes to painting cast aluminum furniture, or when you need to restore cast aluminum patio furniture preparation is key to ensuring a lasting finish. Priming aluminum before painting is essential in making sure the paint bonds properly and lasts for years to come.
Priming metal with a base coat is an important part of any painting project, regardless of the type of metal being painted.
- Prevents corrosion from occurring
- Helps the paint to adhere better
- Increases the durability of the paint
- Hides imperfections
Seals the metal surface
Furthermore, it acts as an undercoat sealant that prevents oxidation and keeps rust and moisture away from the aluminum – all of which can cause corrosion and degrade the cast aluminum over time.
Improves the paint
Without a proper primer, the paint will not stick to the metal as well and may even begin to peel off in time. A primer acts as a base layer between the metal and the paint which helps the paint adhere better.
Priming aluminum also allows for a more vibrant and durable paint job. If paint were to be applied directly to the aluminum without a primer, it would not last as long, as it would be prone to fading and chipping over time.
Hides scratches
Finally, priming can help to hide any imperfections in the metal that could affect the aesthetic of the paint job. This is especially important when painting aluminum, as the metal has a tendency to have dents, scratches, and other inconsistencies on its surface. A primer will help to fill these imperfections and provide a smoother surface for the paint to adhere to.
Clean before priming aluminum for painting
Before you start priming, make sure your furniture is clean, dry, and free of dirt and debris. The primer won’t adhere correctly if the surface is dirty.
Clean the metal surface with a solution of household soap and warm water. Make sure to get into every place, removing any dirt, grime, and oil buildup. Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse with a hose or bucket of clean water and let dry completely.
We, already, made a special guide about how to clean cast aluminum patio furniture or mailbox.
Sanding aluminum for painting
In some cases, sanding aluminum is a necessary step before priming and it can have a significant impact on the overall quality of your paint job. When done correctly, sanding aluminum with the right paper can result in a flawless finish that will make your paint job look amazing and last for years.
Firstly, you should use appropriate sandpaper. A coarse-grit paper is best used for aluminum since it quickly sheds any imperfections on the metal surface that would otherwise hinder the primer. Continue the sanding with finer grit sandpaper. Remove any debris and clean the aluminum.
It is equally important to remember to change the sandpaper before it wears out or when it becomes clogged with dirt or debris. You also need to be careful to not scratch the surface or sand too much of the aluminum away.
Apply the primer to aluminum
Read the instruction for your primer before you start priming. Depending on the primer you might need to apply more than one thin coat, allowing each one to dry completely before applying another. Wear your mask, safety eyewear, and gloves (simple nitrile gloves are OK).
Pour some primer into a paint tray and apply the primer on the cast aluminum surface with a paintbrush or a roller, working with long strokes.
When you reach the edges and curves, switch from the brush or roller to a smaller paintbrush to make sure all the edges get coated with the primer.
Allow the primer to dry. Keep in mind that most primers need about 24 hours to dry. Once your primer has dried completely, you can start painting (or sanding again with very fine sandpaper if your primer requires it).
Conclusion
Overall, priming aluminum is highly recommended before painting. Doing so will help the paint stick to the surface more effectively, prevent corrosion, enhance color vibrancy and longevity, and conceal any imperfections in the metal. Therefore, always make sure to prime aluminum before painting to ensure the best results and the most durable finish.
