best paint for aluminum?

I've got some older style Hobie AI aka bars that I plan to install on my 2013 Adventure to convert it into a full-fledged AI.

The aka bars are aluminum, and the paint on them is in pretty bad shape (a lot worse than it looks in the picture). I was thinking about getting them anodized, but that's kind of pricey, so I think I'll just paint them and see if that works.

Any suggestions as to which paint to use?

https://www.amazon.com/Brownells-Aluma-Hyde-Firearms-Finish-Semi-Gloss/dp/B00XCZUBBS/ref=sr_1_34?crid=24DWVOR7KP6DM&dchild=1&keywords=cerakote+paint&qid=1634439570&sr=8-34

https://www.amazon.com/Brownells-Aluma-Hyde-Firearms-Finish-Semi-Gloss/dp/B00XCZUBBS/ref=sr_1_34?crid=24DWVOR7KP6DM&dchild=1&keywords=cerakote+paint&qid=1634439570&sr=8-34

Did not realize there was such a paint. That looks like a good option. I was thinking about using the paint that is for aluminum boats...

I like Cerakote, but that’s more work... and I’m lazy.

With painting, it’s all in the prep work...

I bought a sand blaster kit that’s rigged to my pressure washer. And high grit sand... and just went at it . Cause I hate sanding.


https://www.amazon.com/Hourleey-Sandblasting-Sandblaster-Attachment-Disconnect/dp/B083RV99V8/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3PLFU068NNWQX&dchild=1&keywords=sand+blaster+for+pressure+washer&qid=1634448333&sr=8-8


You could probably get away with hanging ur parts in the shade, and using some aircraft paint remover.... and spray the part with a high pressure hose...

You could tell I hate sanding...

I have painted Al.  Zinc cromate  primer then spray paint. 

I believe if you use a self etching primer then you can use most any paint. That what I was told when I painted my boat.

I bought a sand blaster kit that’s rigged to my pressure washer. And high grit sand... and just went at it . Cause I hate sanding.


https://www.amazon.com/Hourleey-Sandblasting-Sandblaster-Attachment-Disconnect/dp/B083RV99V8/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3PLFU068NNWQX&dchild=1&keywords=sand+blaster+for+pressure+washer&qid=1634448333&sr=8-8

That looks like a winner. I think I'll give that a try...

I have painted Al.  Zinc cromate  primer then spray paint. 

Etching primer  or separate etching 'step'  is for bare metal.  That's the best  (most durable) option.  Bare metal, wax and grease cleaner, etching formula (different etches for steel or aluminum), primer, then final paint.  For amas like these look, maybe just a light sanding prime any bare spots and then shoot?

Unless you are going to strip it bare and start over - Bushy’s rec is the way to go IMO, too.

Unless you are going to strip it bare and start over - Bushy’s rec is the way to go IMO, too.

Maybe, but they are actually in worse shape then they appear in the pictures. Some of the paint does seem to be solid, but in places I can easily scratch it off with a fingernail.

Zinc oxide primer worked for me. 

If you are not willing to commit, do tests….

Maybe wire brush to clean,  you seem reluctant to prep, I.e., you spend more time soliciting suggestions.  Have you taken some pieces to your paint supplier for suggestions?

Hmm, might consider seeing what media blast would run and then a fresh, full coat o finish.

Saving/reusing seems best then to me, I’m a cheapskate and re-user type, but I know you gotta weigh all the options. Let us know how you proceed. 

Same I’m a penny pincher when it comes to personal projects... my processs is.  Lazy, Fast, Cheap.. etching prime is good. But some paint don’t require it.

Since the paint is already lifting off the metal. I’d just take it to bare metal. On. Such a small part it’s kind of pointless to feather it out .

Have you taken some pieces to your paint supplier for suggestions?

My "paint supplier" is Home Depot, and I don't expect any useful suggestions on anything from HD. I figured that people who have aluminum boats might be the best source for info...

I used to contract bodywork/paint sales sales for auto wholesalers.  Most famous quote from a guy named Bobbby Rao:  "Shoot the bitch and let's roll!"

Bushy