Do you paint aluminum a different way? Im gonna paint my aluminum injector tubes and I was wondering if the process is any different than painting the shell and other parts. Thank you!
I just lightly scuff them with sand paper and spray color. Primer is just another layer to go through when it comes to “natural weathering”.
you can get self etching primer too, if you want to really complicate things more than just doing a light scuffing.
Also it helps to use multiple light coats of paint and to make sure the aluminum isn’t too cold. With past experience the spray paint would some times act up if you don’t apply it to something more room temp.
Alright thanks guys!
Scotchbrite pad following by a wipe down with a clean rag.
I would also recommend cleaning with varsol or mineral spirits to remove any contaminents such as cutting fluid or oil, also wear gloves if you’re handling them after cleaning, the oils from your skin will impede paint adhesion.
I’m gonna go against the grain and say that I never prime OR thoroughly clean my parts; at the most, they’ll get a quick wash and rinse with dish soap, whether resin, aluminum, fiberglass, whatever, and I use Krylon Fusion spray paints. No sanding or abrasion whatsoever. Never had so much as a crack, pit, bubble, wrinkle, or run, and the paint doesn’t chip or scratch away. This has been my go-to method for close to 10 years.
I know Krylon Fusion gets hate around here, but I love it. It’s based on a slightly different solvent than your standard rattle cans, which makes it more expensive and gives it a little bit of a funky smell (nothing smells like it; almost like flaming cosmic pool toys), but if you spray it in thin, even coats, DAMN does it dry QUICKLY (we’re talking dry to the touch in little more than 5 minutes), and it adheres like a ■■■■.
I usually use some abrasion, but otherwise I totally agree with Jairus on Kyrlon Fusion with no primer for metal parts
I’ve had awesome luck with krylon but for some reason my home depot only carries rustoleum now…
Rustoelum Satin black is a beautiful color to use on packs 
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That’s what I’m using!
Good thread, cause I had the same kind of questions…Ace has Krylon, if you have one around you.
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I just received my aluminum heat sink from AJ, my gun is resin and weathered. Will using the Krylon allow me to weather the heat sink to match the distressing of the gun?
If its the pack you got from me then use rustoleum satin black. I wouldn’t try to weather it too much. Just let it occur naturally.
I must be the odd man out. I tried using Rustoleum (Krylon always seemed runny to me) without primer, and it scraped off way too easy. I’ve been priming my metal parts since then, and while they do still get scrapes from handling, the paint doesn’t scratch off when I breathe on them like it seemed before.
Thanks for the advice guys, my injector tubes came out buetifuly!
Why yes it is, Vince! I was just curious because the rest of the gear is distressed and I didn’t want the heat-sink to be like all shiny and new.
I use Rustoelum 2X flat black for my pack. What do you think? Is this a good ideal?