To paint tool box

Hendo · Guru

To paint tool box

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Use an etch primer suitable for aluminium as a start (after cleaning and wiping with Prepsol).

OR... if you want a top job, remove it and get it professionally powder coated which will have superior chip resistance.
Cheers,
Peter

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Wednesday 7th of August 2019 12:27:56 PM

Whenarewethere · Guru

As said above.

I had some aluminium planter boxes powder coated, worked very well.

You can get powder coat touch up colours here http://www.crlaurence.com.au

iana · Guru

Etch primer is meant to be what the name says, that is you cannot paint over a mirror or shiny surface, the purpose is to etch the surface, to a suitable surface profile so the paint will adhere. So if your aluminum has been out in the weather, the acid and oxygen in the atmosphere will have already etched the surface i.e. it looks matt not shiny, if its shiny it needs an etched surface. De-greasing would be the main object then. As for the paint its what you can get at the green shed, your tools will soon chip the paint anyway.

swamp · Senior Member

HI
Best practice

Paint prep
rub with green scrotch brite and metho
Wipe down with prepsol /wax and grease remover

Epoxy 2 part primer
Urethane 2 part top coat
This will be as tough as powder coat
A good paint job is expensive

OR
Powder coat
P/C done poorly, not cured well will chip easily

Hendo · Guru

Thanks everyone for your advice.

Will try and post a photo of the final results.

Hendo