Letter 25033

How to paint on aluminum [Malaysia] 

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Just took keys from the developer but all windows are aluminum casement windows (the cheap kind), but the frame of the windows are anodized green (the whole house looks like a green house). Unfortunately I can't complain to the developer to change because they say that the sale & purchase agreement says "casement windows" so it is their perogative to install whatever windows they like...

Question: Can I paint over the aluminum windows? If yes, how and what materials do i need? Please help, anyone.

Frank Teh
New Home Owner - Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia

In general you can paint on anything, and the principal issue will usually be acceptable adhesion. As an individual homeowner, your own standard for acceptable adhesion need not be as rigorous as an OEM who is shipping windows and must accept them for return if the paint scrapes off easily. I believe that washing with detergent followed by a very light sanding will give adhesion that most homeowners would find acceptable.

 
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com Inc. - Brick, NJ

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