How to Prime & Paint Aluminum Surfaces

Painting on metal is similar to painting on any other surface. The key difference is how you prepare the surface for painting. Once you clean, sand, and prime aluminum, you can paint it just like you would plastic or wood. Come with us to learn how to paint aluminum so it doesn't peel, how to choose the best paint , primer, and sealer for the job, how to remove old paint , and more. We'll also share expert priming and painting tips from painting specialists, as well as tips on how to clean aluminum before painting from a house cleaning professional.

Painting Aluminum: Brief Overview

Start by cleaning and sanding the surface. Next, apply 3-4 coats of self-etching paint primer, letting each coat dry before applying the next one. Apply 2-4 coats of acrylic, latex, direct-to-metal (DTM), or oil-based paint. After that's cured, finish it with 2-4 coats of clear enamel sealer to protect the finish.

Section 1 of 7:

How to Paint Aluminum

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1
Clean dust and grease from aluminum with vinegar. According to house cleaning professional James Sears, the most practical way to clean aluminum (or any other metal) is "to use [distilled] white vinegar." Spray it on the aluminum's surface and "gently scrub the vinegar" using a microfiber cloth . When you're done, rinse it in warm water and let it air dry.
- If you have lemons on hand, Sears suggests cutting one in half and "rub[bing] the lemon half on the metal" to clean it. The slight acidity in vinegar and lemon juice helps break down rust, grease, and other contaminants without hurting the aluminum.
- If the rust and oil aren't coming off, painting specialist James Guth suggests using a wire brush or steel wool to scrub those blemishes away.
- If these household ingredients don't get the job done, make a cleaning solution with warm water and a degreasing cleaner or Dawn dish soap . Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the degreaser label to find the proper ratio of water to degreaser. Then dip a clean microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe the aluminum down with it. Rinse the piece off when you're finished and let it air dry. ^{[1]
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- If the aluminum has old paint on it, learn how to remove it below .
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Sand the aluminum with 120-grit and 400-grit sandpaper. Sanding the aluminum gives it a rough texture that primer and paint can stick to. For this step, Guth recommends buffing the aluminum piece's entire surface with 120-grit sandpaper . Use smooth, circular motions for an even finish. When you're done sanding, wipe the dust off with a tack cloth , then buff it again with 400-grit sandpaper . ^{[2]
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- When you've completed your final round of sanding, remember to wipe off the aluminum with a clean tack cloth to remove the dust. ^{[3]
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If you need to mask off a large area, cover it with paper or plastic sheeting first, then secure the edges with masking tape .
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Find a well-ventilated area to work in. The aerosol cans that paint and primers come in release fumes, which can cause headaches and lightheadedness. Because of this, working outside would be the best option. If you don’t have access to an outdoor workspace, choose a large room with good ventilation and open windows. Wear a respirator mask to protect your nose, mouth, and throat, along with safety goggles and gloves. ^{[4]
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- Avoid painting if it's raining or humid outside, as this can interrupt the curing process.
5
Spray a light, even coat of self-etching primer onto the aluminum. Shake the can of self-etching primer for about 30 to 60 seconds first, then hold it about 8 inches (20 cm) from the surface. Spray on a light, even coat using left-to-right strokes. Overlap each stroke ever so slightly to ensure that you're covering the surface evenly. Whatever you do, says Guth, keep moving your hand "so…you're not concentrating [the primer] in one specific location."
- If your can has a different set of application instructions, you should follow those instead.
- If you're working with a multi-sided object, let the first side dry to the touch before priming the other sides.
- Self-etching primer is specially formulated to create micro-etches on the aluminum's slick, shiny surface. The etches create a layer of texture and give the paint something to bond to. ^{[5]
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Check the instructions on the can to find out exactly how long you should wait before applying a second coat. Most primers have a "between coats" drying time and a curing time. Refer to the "between coats" time for this step. In most cases, you might only have to wait 5-15 minutes. ^{[6]
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Add 2 more coats, then wait at least 1 hour for the primer to cure. Again, check the instructions on the can to find out exactly how many coats of primer you should use and how long you should wait for it to cure. In most cases, you'll need about 3 to 4 coats of primer and wait about 1 hour for it to cure. ^{[7]
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- Be patient and let the primer cure. If you don't wait long enough, the paint and primer may peel.
- Remember to apply light coats of primer. This will help it cure properly. If you slap on a thick coat, the primer may go tacky or just peel off.
8
Buff away imperfections with 400-grit sandpaper, if needed. Once the primer has cured, take a close look at it. If you like the finish, you are ready to move on. If it looks rough, pitted, or drippy, lightly buff the surface with 400-grit sandpaper. ^{[8]
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- Remember to wipe the dust off the surface afterward with a tack cloth.
- Double-check the masking tape after this. If the edges of it look frayed, peel it off and lay down new strips.
9
Brush or spray a light, even coat of paint onto the aluminum. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes using a spray can, a synthetic brush , or a roller . ^{[9]
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Research source} Your strokes can be horizontal or vertical, but they must all go in the same direction to look consistent.
- If you're using spray paint , shake the can for about 1 minute first, then hold it about 8 inches (20 cm) from the aluminum while spraying it.
- To paint a multi-sided object, start with the top and sides. Once the paint in these areas feels dry, apply it to the bottom.
10
Wait for the first coat of paint to dry to the touch. How long you wait for the paint to dry depends on what type of paint you're working with. Some types of paint take 5 minutes to dry, while others (like latex and oil-based paints) can take 4-24 hours. ^{[10]
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- Double-check the paint can to see how long you should wait for the paint to dry between coats.
Once the previous coat of paint feels dry, apply the next coat. Apply as many coats as needed until you can no longer see the aluminum's silver surface. The paint job should look saturated and even instead of dull and blotchy. ^{[11]
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Let the paint dry and cure for 24-72 hours. Again, how long this takes depends on the type of paint you are working with. If your can of paint has both a drying time and a curing time, follow the curing time. Drying and curing are 2 different things. This step can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. ^{[12]
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- Just because something feels dry to the touch does not mean that it's dry underneath. Once paint has cured, it's dry all the way through.
- If you want the unpainted aluminum to have the same finish as the painted metal, peel the masking tape off before applying the sealer in the next step.
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Apply 2 to 4 coats of clear sealer, letting each coat dry in between. As with the paint, apply light coats consisting of overlapping strokes. Let each coat dry to the touch before applying the next coat. How long you have to wait between each coat depends on the brand of sealer you're using. ^{[13]
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- Spray the sealer just like you applied spray-on primer and spray-on paint.
- Brush sealer on using a synthetic-bristle brush.
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Let the sealer cure for 24 to 72 hours. Since each brand of sealer is different, read the instructions on the can to find out how long you should wait. If you left the masking tape on previously, wait until the sealer dries and cures before peeling it off.
- Avoid handling the aluminum before the sealer finishes curing, or it may turn tacky.

Section 2 of 7:

Best Paint for Aluminum

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1
Acrylic Acrylic paint is water-based, easy to clean when wet, dries in as little as 30 minutes, and comes in a wide variety of colors. ^{[14]
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Research source} It's also durable and less prone to cracking than oil-based paint. It's a great option when you're painting decorative aluminum for a craft. ^{[15]
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- Regardless of which type of paint you choose, select a matte or satin finish . While glossy paint will work, experts don't recommend it because it will show off any imperfections in the metal. ^{[16]
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- Acrylic, latex, and direct-to-metal (DTM) paint are the best paints for painting aluminum, according to Guth.
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Latex Latex paint is durable, inexpensive, and a popular choice for aluminum surfaces both inside and outside the home. It's also relatively fast-drying. After you apply the first coat of paint, the aluminum will be ready for another coat or sealer within 4 hours (it takes about 30 days to fully cure). ^{[17]
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- If the aluminum that you're painting will be kept outdoors, choose a paint labeled " exterior " or "outdoor."
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Direct-to-metal (DTM) DTM contains both primer and paint, so there's no need to apply primer separately. This means you can immediately paint the aluminum after cleaning and sanding it. The biggest disadvantage of DTM is the curing time. While it dries to the touch within 30-60 minutes, some brands take 30 days to cure.
- If you're painting galvanized aluminum with DTM, Guth recommends applying a separate primer layer to ensure the paint sticks.
4

Oil-based paint Oil-based paint is slow to dry, but that can be a good or a bad thing. It can be advantageous if you're painting a detailed image or mural onto a piece of aluminum, so you have more time to move and blend the paint. It can be a disadvantage when you have to wait 24 hours before applying another coat or a sealer. ^{[18]
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Research source} Oil-based paints also tend to be made with toxic solvents, and they're also harder to clean up if you make a mistake. ^{[19]
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Epoxy Epoxy paint stands up well to moisture, heat, and chemicals, and it also adheres well to aluminum (with prior sanding and primer, of course). The drying time between coats can take up to 1-2 days, depending on the paint brand and the humidity in your area. Epoxy is best for more heavy-duty applications, like garage flooring, pools, and boat exteriors. ^{[20]
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Polyurethane Polyurethane paint protects metal from rust, corrosion, chemicals, and even UV rays from the sun. For that reason, it's often used to paint aluminum and other metal parts in the automotive industry. ^{[21]
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Research source} Water-based polyurethane takes 2-4 hours to dry, while the oil-based version takes 6-10 hours. ^{[22]
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Section 3 of 7:

Best Primer for Aluminum

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Self-etching paint primer is best for bare and galvanized aluminum. Avoid using regular paint primer, even if it's labeled "for metal." The self-etching version contains special properties that make the surface of the aluminum more textured. This makes it easier for paint to bond to it. ^{[23]
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- Painting specialist Patrick Coye says you can also use an oxidizing primer . This product is specifically designed for metal and "inhibits the growth of rust in the future." Use it on exterior aluminum pieces, like metal roofs and stair railings.

Section 4 of 7:

Best Sealer for Aluminum

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Clear enamel sealer that's safe for metal surfaces is the most ideal. A clear enamel sealer protects the paint color from scratching, chipping, and fading. It comes in matte, satin, and glossy finishes. Pick the one you like best, but be aware that glossy finishes will show imperfections more. ^{[24]
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Section 5 of 7:

How to Remove Paint from Aluminum

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Remove old paint from aluminum with a paint stripper. Follow the instructions that came with the paint stripper , as each brand is different. In most cases, you'll pour the solution onto the metal, wait a few minutes, then scrape it off with a paint scraper . Remember to wear your respirator, goggles, and gloves! ^{[25]
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- Use an after wash to remove any paint stripper residue. Then rinse the surface off with plain water and let it air dry.
- Residential painting specialist Varga Gulshani recommends using paint thinner to take up oil-based paints. He also suggests using a "latex removing agent such as Goof Off " to remove oil-based paints.

Section 6 of 7:

Tips to Prevent from Peeling Off Aluminum

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1
Don't skip cleaning, sanding, and priming. Cleaning, sanding, and priming the aluminum with a self-etching primer is absolutely essential for ensuring the paint sticks to the metal surface. The paint will peel right off shiny, bare aluminum if you apply it without at least running some sandpaper over it to roughen it up. ^{[26]
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- Skip the priming step if you're painting bare aluminum with direct-to-metal paint (DTM), since it already contains primer.
2

Paint thin layers instead of thick layers. While it may be tempting to slather on as much paint as possible onto the aluminum to do the job faster, this technique will come back to haunt you. Thick layers of paint look sloppy and take longer to dry and cure, making them more prone to peeling. ^{[27]
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Research source} Stick to thin layers, apply them one at a time, and wait for the paint manufacturer's recommended drying time between each coat.
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Ensure your environment is neither humid nor dry. Avoid painting aluminum when the weather is humid or there's a lot of moisture in your home. If moisture makes its way onto the aluminum's surface before you paint it, it can disrupt the bond between the paint and the metal. This can cause the paint to peel. On the other hand, if the air in your workspace is extremely hot and dry or you're working outside where it's windy, the paint can dry up too quickly and flake off. ^{[28]
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Section 7 of 7:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Can you use an oil-based paint on aluminum? Yes, you can use oil-based paint on aluminum. Keep in mind, though, that oil-based paint takes up to 24 hours to dry. ^{[29]
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Can you paint anodized aluminum ? Yes, as long as you apply a primer to it and let it cure before coating it with paint.
3

Can you paint galvanized aluminum? Yes, but you must apply a self-etching primer to it beforehand. Avoid using direct-to-metal (DTM) paint on it without applying a separate primer first.
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Can you paint aluminum when it's cold outside? Paint in general cures best above 50 °F (10 °C). Check the weather forecast and make sure the temperature outside won't drop below 32 during the day or night. ^{[30]
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Do I need a special type of paint to paint over an already painted aluminium boat? The existing surface is OK, but has chips and scratches and needs a bit of a face lift.

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If the layer that is currently on is peeling excessively you should strip off the old paint and repaint it, but if it is mostly fine you can paint over it.

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Can this all be done with exterior paints, including the clear enamel top coat? It will get a lot of sun and weather.

Leigh Corn

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Absolutely. After the self-etching primer, there's nothing stopping you from using automotive paints and lacquers, which are totally "exterior" paints.

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The type of paint you use does not matter as much as the primer. This is because the paint will stick to the primer, not the metal.

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If you get chips in your paint after removing the masking tape, fill them in using spare paint and a small paintbrush. Remember to seal them afterwards.

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Warnings

Wear goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask to protect yourself from the paint chemicals and fumes.

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Work outside or in a well-ventilated room, and keep pregnant women, children, and pets away.

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Things You'll Need

To Paint Aluminum

Distilled white vinegar or lemons
Degreasing cleaner or Dawn dish soap
Warm water
Microfiber cloth
Wire brush or steel wool
120-grit sandpaper and 400-grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Self-etching primer
Acrylic , latex , oil-based or direct-to-metal (DTM) paint (spray or brush-on)
Clear enamel sealer (spray or brush-on)
A synthetic brush or a roller (if using brush-on paint or sealer)
Respirator mask
Safety goggles
Gloves
Masking tape (optional)

To Remove Paint from Aluminum

Paint stripper
Paint scraper
After wash
Respirator mask
Safety goggles
Gloves

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How to Prime & Paint Aluminum Surfaces

Painting Aluminum: Brief Overview

Steps

How to Paint Aluminum

Best Paint for Aluminum

Best Primer for Aluminum

Best Sealer for Aluminum

How to Remove Paint from Aluminum

Tips to Prevent from Peeling Off Aluminum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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References

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