Aluminum Truck Boxes

[Hal Peeler]

Have any of you ever painted an aluminum truck tool box? If so, what kind of prep, if any, did you do to the aluminum? I was thinking of using an etching primer before I paint it using rattle cans. Thanks
Hal

[Todd Burch]

Yes. I went to an auto body store and bought a product called alum-a-prep, I think was the name. A PPG product.

Use it, or something like it, or the paint will certainly peel.

[Phil Thien]

I've used XIM Primer Bonder in rattle cans. The job still looks great. Don't get it on stuff you don't want XIM Primer Bonder on, it sticks good. I've come to the conclusion that this stuff is half glue.

[Hal Peeler]

Thanks guys. Did either of you prep the surface before the primer?

[Phil Thien]

Thanks guys. Did either of you prep the surface before the primer?

I did fine-sand, but my project was smaller. Nonetheless, getting the oxide coating off does help the bonder to, well, bond. You don't have long, though, before the oxiode is back.

[Todd Burch]

I followed the data sheet I got for the paint I was using, ergo:

Prep the surface.... for aluminum use .... then prime with ..... then paint.

Your rattle can won't have those instructions. The paint I used was purchased from an auto body paint store to match the truck. (blue some deep bright blue metallic chevy paint back in the '90s)