Aluminum Garden Gate Paint?

[12husky]

I’m building an aluminum garden gate ~5’x6’. The center will be a design from 1/2” diameter round bar with a 2” square tube outer frame.

What is my best option for paint to create a long lasting, maintenance free finish? Surface prep, primer, top coat, etc.

It will be installed in Annapolis, Maryland near but not on the water.

Thanks!


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[Thirdyfivepickup]

My dad used POR 15 black on his gate at his place. He lives just outside of Chicago and the paint is still going strong after 10 years or so.

 

[bonneyman]

I wonder if some sort of aluminum anodizing compound would work in your application? Since the anodize process is a chemical corrosion type of finish, you'd be one jump ahead of any salt water oxidation. Just thinking out loud.

 

[airrj]

Rustoleum makes an aluminum primer in their Professional Series sprays. I used it for some aluminum vents on the house 4 years ago. One coat of the aluminum primer and two coats of the Professional Series spray paint.

The vents have no signs of ageing and I have been very happy with the product. However, I live in a fairly arid climate, and unlike a gate my application doesn't get touched or have any wear points.

So, it has been good for me, but your application is just enough different I don't know how it might hold up. It is easy to get at Home Depot and it is reasonably cheap if you just want to try it.

Good Luck.

 

[EdT]

Two thoughts:
1) anodizing is usually a "clear" aluminum oxide coating that is dyed to be the color tyou want. Many of the dyes don't like being in the sun.
2) IIR POR15 requires a top coat of something if it's going to be in sunlight. It's UV sensitive.
3) Lots of cars have aluminum body panels now so there could be something good in that arena AFA primers and top coats. Automotive finishes are pretty durable in the weather.
4) As suggested above, Rustoleum aluminum primer and finish paint is probably a good bet as well.
Regardless of the finish choice, the prep work is more important as the choice of finish.

 

[theoldwizard1]

First, you need to make sure the surface is extremely well cleaned.

Second, for primer you have two choices "self etching" or zinc chromate. The self etching is usually clear or gray. Zinc chromate is that weird yellow. I know a lot of aluminum boat guys swear by self etching, but zinc chromate is used on aircraft because it stops oxidation.

Finish coat should be an alkyd enamel. Maybe added a couple of drops of enamel hardener (you will probably have to go to a paint store for this).

 

[lukedwag]

I would suggest ppg products

I painted my aluminum boat trailer with them.

I gave the trailer a quick wash with purple power and hot pressure washer. The I shot a coat of Pitt guard as the primer and top coated with Pitt Thane ultra gloss

 

[12husky]

Thanks for all of the ideas. I have lots of research to do! Keep the recommendations coming and I will post pictures when I build it.


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[astroracer]

Agree 100% with Oldwizard. Rustoleum Zinc Chromate primer then Rustoleum black. Like he said a little enamel hardener in the top coat will work wonders.
ScotchBrite the gate before shooting the primer and you will have no issues with longevity. Keep it simple and it will last for a long time.
Mark

 

[12husky]

Agree 100% with Oldwizard. Rustoleum Zinc Chromate primer then Rustoleum black. Like he said a little enamel hardener in the top coat will work wonders.
ScotchBrite the gate before shooting the primer and you will have no issues with longevity. Keep it simple and it will last for a long time.
Mark

Thanks, this sounds like the best plan. Does the rustoleum need anything to help with UV stability / fading?


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[astroracer]

Thanks, this sounds like the best plan. Does the rustoleum need anything to help with UV stability / fading?


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No, every paint will fade over time of course, but the Rustoleum is fairly UV stabile so it should look good for quite a while.
Mark