Clear coating for Aluminium parts

[Sarah Frazer]

Hi Guys,

I've tried spraying aluminium parts in the past with clear laquer, but the coating does chip off quite easily. I have also used etching primer, under a solid colour, which works very well.

Is there anything like a 'self etching' clear laquer, if so can anyone recommend a particular brand/type.


Many thanks,

Sarah

[Paul Morris]

Hi Sarah.

I am not sure about availability on this product but when I was doing custom spraying a few years back there was a product called "Diamond Clear" that could be sprayed onto polished metal parts to preserve their appearance, it was as the name suggests a very shiny gloss finish.
Also I seem to remember reading something about a clear powder coat finish though I never tried this myself.
Hope this is of some use to you.
Cheers Paul

[simon_manning]

hi sarah, 2 pack lacquer, lacquer, activator, 2 pack thinners, three ingredients in total, this product must be measured out in the correct amounts, then sprayed, it goes off like a plastic film, car body shops use it, only use in well ventilated area's, a little goes a long way and make sure you clean the gun out afterwards it goes very hard, thinners will not touch it once its gone off. regards simon manning.

[Christoffer Ahlfors]

I used standard car clear coat from spray cans, but I cleaned the parts thoroughly with alcohol first to get rid of any oil or grease from fingers and the like. It has worked well for two years now, but I might be in for a surprise in a few years. Time will tell.

Cheers,
/Chris

[Paul Wills]

Hi Guys,

Don't want to put a dampener on your post Simon but just a word of warning with the two pack paints. The paint / Lacquer is Acrylic based but the hardener has isocyanate in it and it can make you very ill even in small amounts.

I know, been there and it took me months to get over it. Make sure you spray it outside with a mask and gloves on.

Paul.

[Paul Morris]

Hi Paul.

You should have got yourself a St Bernard instead of an Alsation then the dog could have carried a medical kit on its coller can't be too careful
Cheers Paul.

[Sarah Frazer]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies so far.

The aluminium parts I've had the most problem with are parts that are highly polished. Parts that have been roughened, or keyed a bit are not too bad, but still the one part laquers coed off after a while.

I'll look into the two part laquer, does it sef etch into the aluminium, or is it just a really tough coat?

Regards,

Sarah

[Paul Morris]

Hi Sarah.

The 2 pack laquer is just really tough as Simon has said, its a great product I have used gallons of it in the past, but as Simon also said {nursery rhyme? } you need to be really on the ball cleaning your spray gun afterwards as once set its nearer to clear resin and tough as old boots.
Cheers Paul

[Ken Lewis]

Hi Sarah

Tamiya do a clear etch primer aerosol for aluminium, unfortunately, it has been banned for sale in the UK because of an EU Directive.

However, you can still get it from Hong Kong. The item number is 87061

Kind Regards

Ken

[Maarten Schutjes]

Strange regulations. The mentionted Tamiya primer is freely available over here in the Netherlands.