What is aluminum primer?

Non-ferrous metals, and we are talking about aluminum, are considered a material that has huge use in all areas of human life, so the primer for aluminum surfaces must be selected very carefully and all the rules and technologies of use must be observed. Without following the tips and skipping the steps of applying the primer, you can completely spoil the appearance of aluminum products.

Content:

• The quality of work performed - what it depends on
• Corrosion protection
• Home use or do-it-yourself aluminum protection
• Detailed instructions for applying a protective layer without anodizing

The most important thing is how faithfully the surface was prepared. Compositions used to prepare the base must be purchased only from certified manufacturers that produce reliable primers for aluminum in aerosols.

The quality of work performed - what it depends on

In order to qualitatively prepare the base for applying the aerosol composition, first you need to clean the surface from dirt, dust, greasy and oily traces. This procedure consists of four stages, and so it is carried out in production in the shops:

• the first stage is acid etching and degreasing (the oxide film is removed);
• the second stage is the creation of a conversion layer that provides excellent adhesion of the primer to the colorful material (chromate treatment);
• the third stage - washing the surface from salt residues, using high-quality water;
• the fourth stage is drying.

However, when using soil for aluminum at home, everything is done in a completely different way, and acetone or other solvents are used to prepare the aluminum surface, eliminating grease stains and other impurities. Then the surface is necessarily treated with fine-grained sandpaper. And then an aerosol is applied, creating a protective layer that dries for 24 hours. So that the aluminum base of the product is durable, reliable, and the coating longevity, aluminum primer is specially used in aerosols.

Corrosion protection

Corrosive corrosion of metal is really a sore spot, because the properties and qualities of the metal change as a result, because in this process two participants - water and the electrochemical reaction, as well as temperature and humidity influence the corrosion. Although aluminum is resistant to corrosion, it also needs to be protected with a primer.

A metal such as aluminum is very sensitive to oxygen, as a result of which it loses its luster and a thick and strong film appears on the surface - aluminum oxide (Al2O3), which does not dissolve in water. This film protects aluminum from moisture damage but does not provide corrosion protection.

To prevent the destruction of aluminum from corrosion and to prevent further destruction, the simplest and most affordable method is surface painting. Such work requires experience and knowledge, because the term of operation depends on the correct implementation. But before painting it is necessary to apply a primer. It is needed to protect aluminum from corrosion, strengthen the structure and protect against chemicals. environmental influences, and also creates a coating layer that provides an excellent connection of paints with the base. Therefore, the main advantage of such an aerosol composition is the adhesive property with respect to the material to be painted.

Home use or do-it-yourself aluminum protection

There are two ways to protect aluminum surfaces:

1. Without anodizing, using a specialized primer for aluminum.
2. Using anodizing (a method of chemical or electronic chemical processing of an aluminum surface that prevents oxidation, such a treated surface adheres well to the primer).

Naturally, with anodizing aluminum structures will last much longer, but it is very difficult to carry out such a process at home, so at home it is better to use the method without anodizing using aerosols.

We will not consider the second method, but we will dwell on the first in detail. To do this, you need to stock up with the necessary materials and tools (primer, fine-grained sandpaper, a solvent to remove traces of fat from the surface - kerosene, acetone or white spirit).

Detailed instructions for applying a protective layer without anodizing

1. Thoroughly treat the aluminum surface with fine-grained sandpaper (sizes 600, 800 or 1200).
2. Remove stains of fat using any degreaser.
3. After these steps, quickly apply a primer to the surface, because the treated substrate will darken from contact with air (oxidation), and aerosol is very poorly applied to oxidized aluminum. After some time, after drying of the primary layer, it is necessary to apply a second layer of protective composition.
4. Then you can proceed directly to painting your aluminum structure.

Be sure to remember that all processes must be carried out in a room that is well ventilated, and also use personal protective equipment (respirator, gloves) and try not to let insects fly into the room, to prevent dust from sticking to the painted surface.