It’s been about 6-7 years since I painted my deck lid vents. Over the last year or so I noticed the paint was actually peeling off in spots. I touched it up here and there but it’s starting to look kinda rough. Anyways, this time around I would like to use paint that will last a little longer this time and not peel/flake off. And yes, I already know that it’s because of heat and the pot metal/aluminum composition of the vents that make the paint not stick well. That being said, what combination of paint and/or primer did you use to stop the paint from peeling/flaking off? Thanks, Kit
[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 03-12-2019).]
Self Etching Primer is designed to prepare bare metal, aluminum and fiberglass surfaces to promote maximum adhesion and smoothness of the topcoat finish.
I've always used Zinc Chromate primer on aluminum parts. After it's thoroughly cleaned, degreased, and washed with white vinegar and dried. I think it's along the same line as what olejoedad suggested. I learned about it while helping rebuild an aircraft wing. I'm told that's what's used on aircraft to prevent paint peel.
After letting the automotive parts sun dry for at least 24 hours, I've sprayed with a high temp engine paint and let that sun dry for 24 hours, too. Then bake in a 250 degree oven for about 30 minutes. I suppose you could also oven cure your primer once it's air dried, but I just never went that route.
Another method of refinishing is to have them powder coated.
Ok, got it. Thank you for all the replies. I too am very familiar with zinc chromate as my dad had been an aircraft mechanic for over 40 years and he always had a can of GREEN zinc chromate primer laying around in the garage. Kit
[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 03-13-2019).]
Ok, got it. Thank you for all the replies. I too am very familiar with zinc chromate as my dad had been an aircraft mechanic for over 40 years and he always had a can of GREEN zinc chromatic prinet laying around in the garage. Kit
Etching to me in laymans terms means biting into the surface, sticking very well to it.
In terms of primer, self-etching means that the primer contains an acid that etches the surface of the metal, to create a rougher surface that the primer can mechanically bite into.
I completely sanded mine down.. I used a self priming high heat BBQ paint (satin black 500-2100 degree spray) for the bottom side - topside as a primer.. I then used a gloss rustoleum (220 degree paint) for the top side only... originally was spraycan but the second time around when I did my added decklid vent, I spray it HVLP style... I've had no peeling what so ever or imperfections in the paint because of the heat.. it's held up great