ALUMINUM FRAMES AND ANODIZING
REQUIREMENTS ALUMINUM FRAMES
Bucket, cloth, water
all-purpose cleaner
Brush
Sandpaper grit 180 and 240
Brush
wire brush
Multi-primer
alkyd paint
ROADMAP
Remove any rust with a wire brush
degrease
Sanding with grit 180
Dust-free and wet wipe
Apply multiprimer with a brush
Sand with 240 grit, remove dust and wet wipe
Apply lacquer paint
Lightly sand, remove dust, wet wipe and apply a second coat
If your aluminum frames are still beautiful, you don’t have to paint them. If they are somewhat damaged, or if they start to “rust” (oxidize), you can start painting the frames. There is of course another alternative and that is to replace these aluminum frames with wooden frames. However, this is an expensive matter and a major intervention. It can of course be a consideration.
PROVIDED WITH AN OXIDE LAYER
The oxide layer is applied to aluminum frames to prevent rust. This is also called anodizing. This oxide layer is very wear-resistant and hard, so that these frames are resistant to many weather influences. The layer is therefore very thin and can be applied in different colors. Provided there is no damage, these frames can last for a long time!
PROCEDURE AND TREATMENT
Because the frames are provided with a layer of oxide, this requires a different pre-treatment than with wooden frames. First, you must degrease well. You use an all-purpose cleaner for this. Then sand the surface well, so that you really feel that it has been sanded! (with your hand over it). Then clean everything well and remove the last remnants of dust with a tack cloth. When you’re done with this, apply a primer over it. The difference in treatment of wooden frames and aluminum frames is that you have to use a special primer for this. If there is still wood next to the aluminum frames, you can continue working with the same primer. Then finish with a high gloss or silk gloss in alkyd. Remember to sand between coats with 240 grit sandpaper.
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Pete deVries.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
