How To Protect Aluminium

• Painting or Spraying on a One-Part Clear Coat

1. It is recommended that the aluminium be cleaned. The aluminium surface to be protected may be cleaned using a power washer. An alternative method is to scrub the surface by hand. It is imperative to ensure the removal of any residual chalk, dirt, grease or other contaminants.

 

2. The aluminium should be neutralised. A water solution of calcium carbonate or baking soda should be prepared. Subsequently, the solution can be applied to the surface via a spray gun or cloth. This method is particularly beneficial for surfaces that have been previously cleaned with an acidic solution. Such an action may result in a reaction with the clear coating, potentially leading to the formation of black streaks.

 

3. The neutralised surfaces should then be treated with xylene or denatured alcohol. Both substances should be available at a hardware store. It is important to exercise caution and avoid the use of lacquer thinner. The use of lacquer thinner may result in the contamination of the surface due to the presence of oils.

 

4. The clear coating should be applied. The coating can be applied using a variety of tools, including solvent-rated or natural brushes, applicator pads, or foam rollers. Additionally, the coating can be applied via spraying or dipping of an object.

 

5. A further application of the transparent coating is required in order to restore the surface in question. In the event of the clear coating becoming disintegrated, it is possible to reapply it to the aluminium. It is imperative to ensure that the surface is free from any residual matter or contamination from the previous coating. Subsequently, the coating may be reapplied in accordance with the aforementioned steps.

 

Spraying on a Two-Part Clear Coat

1. The aluminium should be cleaned and neutralised. The aluminium surface should be cleaned using either a power washer or manual scrubbing. Subsequently, a solution of calcium carbonate or baking soda should be applied by spraying or rubbing to neutralise the surface and prepare it for coating. Once the aforementioned steps have been completed, the surface should be rubbed down with xylene or denatured alcohol.

 

2. The two-part clear coating should be disassembled and measured. In order for the two-part clear coating (or epoxy) to be effective, it must be mixed with a hardener or other catalyst. The container should be opened and the two components (A and B) removed. The ratio of the two solutions should be 3 parts of solution B to 1 part of solution A. This should be measured in separate clear plastic cups.

 

3. The next step is to assemble the spray gun. The Part A and Part B solutions should be combined in a suitable metal container. Subsequently, a spray head should be attached to the can in order to create a detail spray gun.

 

4. It is now necessary to test the spray gun. A short burst should be sprayed in the air, away from the aluminium object, in order to ascertain whether the gun is functioning correctly.

 

5. The aluminium should be coated. The solution should be sprayed in short bursts along the length of the object to be protected. The process should be continued until the surface appears glossy and wet.
It is imperative that naked flames are kept at a safe distance from the area being sprayed.
It is important to ensure that the solution is not applied in excess, as this may result in streaks due to run-off and subsequent drying.

 

6. It is essential to facilitate the drying of the solution by ensuring adequate ventilation of the area. The coated aluminium must be permitted to dry for a period of 24 hours. Should a further coat be required, the aforementioned steps may be repeated after the aforementioned period of 24 hours has elapsed.