Aluminum paint

[JBudd2]

I build ornamental windmills and I like the look of the tower parts that have been dipped in aluminum paint because it looks like old time galvanized steel. But… the paint never dries. Even months or even a year later it is like handling Neverseize. Any thoughts or answers

 

[The Cobbler]

you can buy smudge proof aluminum paint, or maybe clear coat it . the smudging is the real aluminum in the paint rubbing off .

 

[toolmiser]

Not a solution, but a story. About +/- 60 years ago my mother would get out the aluminum paint every couple years. Almost anything metal and vertical got a coat of paint, including cloths line poles, swingset, etc. That stuff took months to dry, and you can imagine all the "aluminum" hands that we had.

 

[Old Moparz]

One of my friends told me about this stuff that he used on his car 30 years ago during the restoration process......

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I've been using it on various things for almost as long & like it a lot. It dries to a silver finish like aluminum. I painted the rear of the headlight housing of this fender with it.....

 

[mrbill55]

I build ornamental windmills and I like the look of the tower parts that have been dipped in aluminum paint because it looks like old time galvanized steel. But… the paint never dries. Even months or even a year later it is like handling Neverseize. Any thoughts or answers

Exactly what are you using?
Did you read the directions to see if it requires a hardener to be mixed in with the base product?

Bill S.

 

[FlaGman]

I have used a lot of silver paints and the only ones that really smudged were the “chrome look” paints. You might try Rustoleum silver hammered finish paint and add some Majic hardener.

 

[Stevewr54]

Just don't put aluminum paint in a shaker. Good chance you'll be wearing it. Steve

 

[theoldwizard1]

Aluminum requires very meticulous metal prep for a good finish. Scuffing the surface and cleaning with something like acetone is a must. To choices of primer. Self-etching or zinc chromate.

Let them dry and then dip. Hot sun SHOULD be enough to dry it.

 

[Firebrick43]

Aluminum filled moisture cure urathane.

I use sherwin Williams corothane brand. It will dry, in fact better have enough ready to paint as once the can is opened it will cure. You can put a layer of wax paper over the open can and displace the oxygen with an unlit propane torch and reseal but that might get you a week or two.

It’s extremely tough and long wearing. If you let any dry on your hands or clothes it’s there until you shed that layer of skin.

 

[driftpin]

I've used Alumiblast with good results, in a rattle can. Martin Seymour Paints. I use it on car and motorcycle parts.



An aluminum painted motorcycle part.

 

[WisJim]

I used a lot of Rustoleum aluminum paint to finish old Jacobs and WindPower wind turbines, both the metal of the generators and related parts, and the wood or metal blades, and I don't recall having any problem with smudged finish or silvery hands.

 

[rburke65]

Well obviously something is amiss if it won’t dry.

 

[Doozer75]

Use a propane torch to cook it dry. This works well to dry paints.
If that does not work, it will never dry.

-Doozer