Painting Aluminum Tubes
In our product line we have an aluminum tube being used as an extension for a carbon mast. We have been painting this tube with white paint, but are having problems with the paint’s durability, as it is chipping.
Q. I manage finishing operations for my company, and in our product line we have an aluminum tube being used as an extension for a carbon mast. We have been painting this tube with white paint, but are having problems with the paint’s durability, as it is chipping. The surface would need to be scratch- and abrasion-resistant. This aluminum part will also see marine exposure as it will be used in water sports. Since anodizing in white isn’t an option, what other options could you suggest? D.B.
A. The proper selection of coating and pretreatments for marine exposure is extremely important. For marine exposure, both fresh water and salt water, epoxy coatings are recommended and have been used extensively for decades. I recommend pretreating the aluminum pole by anodizing. This will provide an excellent paint substrate. Prime the anodized aluminum with a two-component epoxy primer. Topcoat the primer using white two-component epoxy enamel. Although polyurethanes as well as other weather- and abrasion-resistant enamels would be just as durable.
Related Content
-
Finishing Systems Provider Celebrates 150 Years, Looks to Future
From humble beginnings as an Indiana-based tin shop, Koch Finishing Systems has evolved into one of the most trusted finishing equipment providers in the industry.
-
Curing Oven Basics
Simply heating up the substrate does not cure the coating. There are many variables to consider when choosing the best cure oven for your application...
-
Concrete Reinforced Bars Built to Last
Not all corrosion-resistant materials for infrastructure are created equally. Epoxy-coated steel rebar has advantages that other materials used to prevent corrosion do not.