Help on Painting an Aluminium Bullbar

[Shorti]

I managed to score an aluminium bar for my paj for 300 bucks, (I was after a steel one but hey you can't argue with 300 bucks instead of over a grand). I cannot be bothered polishing it all the time and don't like the shiney look anyway, so I want to paint it black. I've read through the threads and I think i have to....

1- clean
2- degrease
3- sand with fine sandpaper
4- clean
5- use etch primer
6- sand with fine sandpaper
7- paint

is this correct? Has anyone done this? I don't like the idea of getting it powder coated due to it not being able to be repaired if chipped and I heard its hard to find a good powder coater.

[turkey]

1. Sand
2. Etch with some phosphoric acid, wash off
3. Etch prime
4. Undercoat with a 2pack epoxy high build primer
5. Sand then 2pack polyurethane

[Vineboy]

I had mine powdercoated and and I wouldn't consider any other way now. I had it done hammertone dark grey and it look a treat. I'ts been done now for about 5 years now and no probs. Hit many roo's and been through plenty of scrub and there is not one sctratch on it. I use harsh chemicals and pressure cleaners on it and it is still as shiny a the day I had it done. Cost about $90 or so.

[Shorti]

I had mine powdercoated and and I wouldn't consider any other way now. I had it done hammertone dark grey and it look a treat. I'ts been done now for about 5 years now and no probs. Hit many roo's and been through plenty of scrub and there is not one sctratch on it. I use harsh chemicals and pressure cleaners on it and it is still as shiny a the day I had it done. Cost about $90 or so.

Yeah I think you are right. If i painted the way Turkey recomended i would be up for more than the cost of powder coating anyway and I am by no means a proffessional painter. THanks for your help guys.

[Shorti]

I just rang a few places and most of them were not helpful and gave really pricey quotes. However, if you want anything done and you're in perth give Powderline Coatings a call, they were helpful on the phone and gave me a reasonable quote... I'll update on how happy I am with the job.

[Mick.]

I'd get it powdercoated mate. It's a lot stronger paint then 2pack and it can be touched up if it's damaged. The only reason people have trouble touching it up is because either the substrate wasn't primed before it was powder coated or there not preping the substrate properly prior to painting.

I'm an automotive spraypainter by trade and I wouldn't waste my time painting my own bull bars sliders etc when you can get it powder coated for the same price and the job comes out better and is a lot more resistant to chips, scratches etc.

Cheers Mick.