Question about decklid vent painting (Page 1/2)
Kitskaboodle MAR 12, 11:35 PM
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).]

olejoedad MAR 12, 11:40 PM
Glass bead blast old finish off.
Duplicolor green self etching primer.
Duplicolor satin black.
Kitskaboodle MAR 13, 12:23 AM
Self-etching? I am familiar with zinc type primers but have never heard of self-etching. Please explain.
Kit
da.slyboy MAR 13, 01:25 AM
I had mine blasted and powder coated....seems to be holding up well
J Gunsett MAR 13, 07:13 AM
Self Etching Primer is designed to prepare bare metal, aluminum and fiberglass surfaces to promote maximum adhesion and smoothness of the topcoat finish.

Jack
fierofool MAR 13, 07:56 AM
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.
Kitskaboodle MAR 13, 09:47 AM
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).]

Kitskaboodle MAR 13, 09:49 AM
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
Tony Kania MAR 13, 10:16 AM

This has actually been a very informative thread for me. I have learned a thing or two. Thanks all!
pmbrunelle MAR 13, 11:24 AM
I sandblasted and cleared my vents.

No idea how long it will last (car doesn't run yet) in service, but it does give a subtle look that sets it apart from other Fieros.