How To Paint Aluminum? (5-Step Guide)

Supplies You’ll Need For Painting Aluminum 

Before you get started on painting aluminum, there are a few supplies you'll want to collect in order to get the best finish possible.

First off, you need to use a painting respirator if you're dealing with spray paints, self-etching-primers, and top coats. All of these can be harmful to your health if you come in direct contact with them, so make sure you take proper safety precautions.

DO NOT use any of these spray paints or primers inside as they will create toxic chemicals in the air.

Finally, you'll want to collect some other basic items like sandpaper and an old rag or cloth that will help you prep your aluminum surface for paint.

• Spray paint (or brush)
• Self etching primer
• Medium grit sandpaper
• Cloth
• Aluminum primer
• Respirator
• Gloves
• Paint sprayer (if not using spray paint)

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How To Spray Paint Aluminum (5-Step Guide)

If you're looking to do a DIY home decor project, spray painting aluminum is probably best for you.

1. Sand the surface of the aluminum
2. Use a cloth to rub off excess dust and dirt
3. Apply self-etching primer in multiple coats
4. Apply spray paint color of choice in multiple layers
5. Allow spray paint to cure for at least 24 hours
6. OPTIONAL: Apply a clear coat to seal and protect your item

Step 1 - Sand the surface of the aluminum

Before you get started with spray paint, you'll need to sand down the bare aluminum surface by giving it a nice scuff.

This will make the surface rough enough to make sure the spray paint will stick to it. You don't need to go crazy with this, just add a bit more texture to make the next steps a lot smoother.

Step 2 - Use a cloth to rub off excess dust and dirt

Now, you'll take a cloth or old rag and rub off all the dust and dirt that step 1 created so you can prevent the spray paint from slipping off or going on unevenly.

We want to get the surface clean from debris so that all those scuffs you made will actually get a chance to absorb the paint.

Step 3 - Apply self-etching primer in multiple coats

Next, it's time for the self-etching primer that will really create a smooth, durable surface for our spray paint.

For this step, you may need to get a bit creative with how you're holding your item(s) up while you spray them.

We highly recommend doing this outside in a temporary paint booth to prevent the spray paint from getting on your surfaces inside, but also to keep the toxic spray paint chemicals out of your home. 

You'll want to apply 3-4 layers of this primer, letting it rest for about 5 minutes between coats, to get the best effect.

Step 4 - Apply spray paint color of choice in multiple layers 

Now it's time for the fun part: the spray paint! When it comes to spray painting metal, we highly recommend any of Rust-Oleum's paints, but specifically, their metallic colors, which tend to offer amazing finishes on a multitude of surfaces.

No matter which spray paint you're using, though, for this step you want to take extra caution to not get the paint on any other surfaces and to protect your lungs from the fumes.

Generally, you'll want to do 4-5 coats to get the best finish that will be less prone to flaking or wear-and-tear.

Step 5 - Allow spray paint to cure for at least 24 hours

Finally, you'll want to set the spray-painted item in a safe, dry place for at least 24 hours to make sure the paint has time to fully set before it comes into contact with anything.

Step 6 (OPTIONAL): Apply a clear coat to seal and protect your item

Though this step is entirely optional, we recommend making it a MUST if you're working with an item that will see heavy use or be outdoors.

In those scenarios, you'll need to give your paint job an extra boost by applying a few layers of a clear coat to fully seal in the paint job for the long haul.

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How To Professionally Paint Aluminum (5-Step Guide)

If you're looking to go beyond the simple home DIY projects and you're hoping to paint an aluminum boat, a home's exterior, or another high wear-and-tear item, you'll want to follow the steps below.

1. Clean and degrease the aluminum surface
2. Chemically treat the aluminum
3. Rinse the surface and allow to dry
4. Apply self-etching primer in multiple coats
5. Apply paint of choice with your paint application method of choice
6. Allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours
7. OPTIONAL: Apply a clear coat to seal and protect your item

Step 1 - Clean and degrease the aluminum surface

Before you get started you'll want to make sure the aluminum surface you're hoping to paint is completely free of grease and debris.

Give your surface a good wash and rinse using soap and water or any other degreaser you have on hand.

Step 2 - Chemically treat the aluminum

Next, you'll want to chemically clean and etch the surface of your aluminum using a one-two punch of an etch wash product followed by Alodine 1201.

First, dilute the etch wash if the directions call for it. Then apply it with a brush on the desired aluminum surface, keeping the surface very wet for 2-5 minutes as you apply. You may even use a scotch-brite pad to create some scuffing on the surface simultaneously.

Then, apply the Alodine 1201 solution (at full strength) and apply with a brush, keeping it wet just like the last step.

Step 3 - Rinse the surface and allow to dry

After you've applied the chemical wash, simply rinse it off into a safe drainage area and give it a chance to dry out.

You should notice a gold color on the surface of the aluminum. 

This indicates that the area is now ready to accept and hold paint.

Step 4 - Apply self-etching primer in multiple coats

Now it's time for the self-etching primer.

Even though the surface is chemically etched now, it's still best to err on the side of a primer to give the surface the best chance of holding on to that paint job.

You'll want to apply 3-4 layers of this primer, letting it rest for about 5 minutes between coats, to get the best effect.

Step 5 - Apply paint of choice with your paint application method of choice

Next, you'll want to apply the paint of your choice with either a brush, spray gun, or roller.

Apply as evenly as possible and keep an eye out for any dripping.

You'll probably want to do at least 2-3 layers to make sure the coating is even and durable.

Step 6: Allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours

Here's the important part: let the paint cure!

Give your new paint job at least a full day to settle in, if not two for good measure.

Ideally, you'll want to keep your item away from any dust, debris, or drafts that could create inconsistencies in the paint job's texture.

Step 7 (OPTIONAL): Apply a clear coat to seal and protect your item

Though this step is entirely optional, we recommend making it a MUST if you're working with an item that will see heavy use or be outdoors.

In those scenarios, you'll need to give your paint job an extra boost by applying a few layers of a clear coat to fully seal in the paint job for the long haul.