Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Cleaning and priming aluminum

June 21, 2009

Hi, my name is Martha, and I am a visual artist living in Florida. I have lots of experience painting on canvas, scenic design work at theme parks and have recently started a new venture - working with aluminum. I have been selected to create an exterior large scale wall sculpture. I hope you can suggest the best products to clean the aluminum with. Since these sculptures will be outside in the elements the surface has to be super clean and primed with the best quality paint out there.
Hope you could suggest the best products and methods, cleaning, priming and painting for aluminum.

Thank you for your help.
Martha

Martha Lent
Artist, Designer - Installation, Public Work - Orlando, FL, USA

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June 22, 2009

Hi, Martha. The best way to prepare aluminum for paint adhesion and durable outdoor exposure might be to "chem film" it, also called "chromate conversion coating". These days, and for a public works project, you would want to use a product that is free of hexavalent chromium. "TCP" fits the bill. You can talk to any of the four licensed suppliers: CST Surtec, Henkel, Luster-On Products, or Metalast. Then you can apply a zinc phosphate primer [on eBay or Amazon], and finish with what you wish. Good luck

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey