'Special Project' Help Needed...

[Bill Robison]

I respect the amount of combined experience and expertise on this forum - so I will share my problem hoping to find a solution.

I realize this is not an RV query, but is related to our skills...

Our subdivision installed cast aluminum mailboxes, which are way to expensive to replace - so I would like to hear solid opinions on how to approach refinishing. They were originally powder coated, but apparently all pieces were not prepped and/or primed properly, since chunks of powder coating has lifted from the aluminum - some pieces of the mailbox assembly are completely bare, corroded (oxidized?) aluminum -- while others have fully intact powder coating.

The plan would be to clean and prep the entire mailbox - then paint it to match the original color. The issue is what is the the best technique to use to be sure the bare, corroded, aluminum will allow the paint to adhere? I have done exhaustive searching online without finding a consensus of how to do this?

Other objectives to bear in mind are: fastest drying time between coats and affordable products not requiring professional application -- I would like to use a roller and/or brush - preferably a water base?

Just a thought - some members have used a brush-on truck bed liner for stone guard on the front of their egg? I do not remember what the brand was, but one of them looked to be a thin and attractive after brushing on? Would such a product adhere in this situation - IF the correct color choice would be available?

Thanks in advance! Like myself - I know some of you enjoy solving problems. I can't wait to see what simple and creative ideas come my way!

[jerrybob]

Give this a try......

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-aluminum/


Good luck.

[Dennis mn]

I own an aluminum bodied Land Rover, and after I Stripped the paint I applied an acid solution to the bare aluminum. I got the material, and advise on applying the acid and primer from the supplier of the DuPont paint products that I used. Sorry, but it was almost 20 years ago, that I painted the Rover and my memory is not as good as it once was.

[mary and bob]

Originally Posted by Bill Robison

I

Just a thought - some members have used a brush-on truck bed liner for stone guard on the front of their egg? I do not remember what the brand was, but one of them looked to be a thin and attractive after brushing on? Would such a product adhere in this situation - IF the correct color choice would be available?

Thanks in advance! Like myself - I know some of you enjoy solving problems. I can't wait to see what simple and creative ideas come my way!

We used a coating on the front of our Uhaul camper from Grizzly Grip. it was thin, and available in several colors. The Uhaul had repaired damage in the lower front so I needed something to hide that. I put it on with a small roller and a brush.

[Bill Robison]

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful ideas and feedback! Please keep them coming ;-)

[ShelbyM]

Powder coating is relatively inexpensive and the shops will have proper media blasting equipment to prep the metal. It will likely be difficult for you to remove the existing patchy powder coat.

[Bill Robison]

Thanks Shelby --

I thought powder coat repair would be expensive? -- Oh -- I just had a thought. The post would not be removable [set in concrete] to be powder coated so it would look different after being painted... Great idea though!

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by Bill Robison

Thanks Shelby --

I thought powder coat repair would be expensive? -- Oh -- I just had a thought. The post would not be removable [set in concrete] to be powder coated so it would look different after being painted... Great idea though!

We had a security gate put on our sliding door and to powder coat it was very expensive compared to painting it but since it was on our nice home we had it done.