What Kind Of Primer (Rattle Can) Should I Use For Aluminum?

I have a small job -- need to rattle can some aluminum brackets that I fabbed. What kind of primer will etch and/or get a good bite so the enamel which will follow will hold? As this is such a small job, I don't want to consider a gun, just rattle cans. Can I get a primer that will work at Home Depot or at my FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Supply?)

 

You need a chromated etch primer then a regular filler primer sometimes topcoats wiont stick directly to etch primers because of the acid ...best check local auto paint store. sEM makes some rattle bomb stuff....RS59.

 

I have used SEM self etching primer with success it comes in rattle cans. I also had a rattle can of something called Aluma Blast, used in on my alternator keeps it looking new, not sure who made it.

 

I've always used zinc chromate primer on aluminum. It even stands up to constant exposure to water, like on aluminum boat parts.

Don

http://www.boatersland.com/moe025421.html?gclid=CODx99illLQCFQyDnQod7RQAzQ

 

I think the alums blast stuff is from Eastwood.

 

Stay AWAY from rustoleums 'self etching primer"--it never dries.
This is what I used for doing a stripe on my alum boat,,same type stuff Don suggested.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...8980591&langId=-1&searchKeyword=Zinc+Chromate

 

I have had very good luck with all SEM products. Thats what I would use.

 

u pol makes a rattlecan zinc chromate etch primer, pretty high, about $15-17 per can, but upol is some high quality product, usually your paint supplier can get or has the stuff, used it and it works great.

 

Rustoleum has a primer made specifically for aluminum. I bought it at Home Depot.

Bob

 

I use either SEM self-etch (grey) or Duplicolor epoxy (greyish green).

 

Good info fellows.

 

U-Pol Acid 8 is the stuff.

 

The SEM products are some of the best on the market.

But I've also got excellent results with the DupliColor self etching fizz-can product....

 

Thanks, guys!

 

Fuelroadster you must have an unusual situation if Rustoleum self etch didn't dry. I have been using it for a year and found it to be bulletproof. I just sprayed some small aluminum parts and it is almost scratch resistant

 

I've used this stuff, works great -

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/ptizincchromateprimer.php

 

I may have gotten a bad can---I prepped the metal & did what I normally do with rattle cans.It sprayed fine,but stayed semi soft & gummy.After 3 days I said screw it,,I chased my heat gun with a plastic putty knife & it came rite off.
Wiped the whole thing down with laquer thinner & used the brite green/yellow zinc & then top coated.
The last pic is what I let dry for 3 days--warm So Cal weather.
I dont know if it's just me but I always have some sort of issue with rustolem products.

 

Our local auto paint store(welle auto body) will put anything you want in an aerosol can. I would check to see of you can get a good quality primer you trust put in a can for you locally...


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