Priming of wheel rims: why is it necessary and how to carry it out when painting?

Maksym June 13, 2017 Specialization: country construction, apartment renovation, landscaping of a personal plot, installation and connection of utilities.

The aluminum frame must be primed before painting.

Do you want to paint aluminum products with high quality? Even though this is not the easiest task, there is still a solution. To ensure that the paintwork lasts for a long time, a special primer for aluminum is used for painting. Next I will tell you how to use it correctly.

Painting aluminum, how to properly prepare it

This kind of work will definitely not be the easiest. The paint is likely to be distributed unevenly over the surface. After a while she gets off. There are several reasons:

• Surface tension. It is because of this that the surface often feels slippery and slightly greasy. Due to these properties, adhesion may be impaired;
• Presence of an oxide film. Oxygen in the air and pure metal quickly come into contact with each other. Due to this, the surface forms an oxide film. It is characterized by a heterogeneous structure and poor adhesion to other materials. This also applies to paint and varnish compositions;
• Smooth surface. The structure of the aluminum crystal lattice gives this effect. Because of this, paint particles have nothing to cling to.

Such features must be taken into account for coloring to be effective.

The paint is likely to be distributed unevenly over the surface.

What is primer for aluminum

Aluminum primer is a special composition that is suitable for high-quality surface treatment of the specified material. It has become widespread, including among motorists.

Aluminum primer is a special composition that is suitable for high-quality surface treatment of the specified material.

Alternative primers

As mentioned above, primer and paint are two components that must fit together. But, since enamels are applied to a primer composition, we select them according to the principle of matching the primer for an aluminum surface.

The range of primers is quite wide, in addition to those considered, the following can be noted:

When choosing paints and varnishes, we advise you to purchase products from already proven companies. The compositions of such companies as Tikkurila, Hempel, Dukeson, Body and others have proven themselves well. Also, when choosing, always try to read the certificate, which displays all the necessary characteristics.

Types of primers for aluminum

Each type of manufactured materials is accompanied by corresponding instructions from the manufacturer, along with a description of the main characteristics. This is very convenient, because it allows you to immediately make the right choice.

Each type of manufactured materials is accompanied by corresponding instructions from the manufacturer, along with a description of the main characteristics.

Aerosol primer

It is distributed over the surface after it has been thoroughly prepared. It is necessary to sand the products until a characteristic shine appears, which sandpaper helps with. Use a cloth with degreaser to remove any remaining stains. Application of primer for aluminum begins immediately; there is no need to wait for complete hardening. Otherwise, an oxide film appears, making future work difficult.

Shake the can a couple of times before use. When spraying, maintain a 25-centimeter distance to the surface, a right angle. Unpleasant smudges do not appear when the head does not linger at one point. The coating is multi-layered. Before the second application, no more than half an hour should pass after applying the first. Painting is available 2 hours after completion of the previous stage; the primer for aluminum is used slightly differently.

When spraying, maintain a 25 cm distance to the surface.

Two-component primer

Before application, the composition is prepared in special plastic containers. The main advantage is resistance to chemically active substances, including acids. Mixing can be carried out in any containers with a volume of up to 1 liter. 4:1 is the standard dilution ratio. The prepared solution can be applied approximately half an hour after initial mixing.

A pneumatic spray gun is best suited to apply such compounds. But ordinary foam rollers are also used if there are no other devices at hand. This is one of the answers to the question of how to prime aluminum before painting.

The main advantage is resistance to chemically active substances, including acids.

Main varieties

You can find 2 types of acid soil on sale:

1. Based on 1 component.
2. Based on 2 components.

One-component

Phosphate primer based on 1 component can be used without prior preparation. It can be purchased in cans for application without auxiliary equipment or in containers with a liquid solution. The second option is applied with a spray gun in 1 thin layer. When the coating acquires the required properties, it can be treated with acrylic with the inclusion of a hardener.

Two-component

Before applying the product to a metal surface, it should be properly prepared. The instructions mention the need to mix the main substance with the activator. The final consistency takes on both hard and soft forms. Experts advise choosing the first option, as it creates a strong and reliable film over the entire treated area. It is allowed to apply primer in 1, 2 or 3 layers, observing the proportions and basic recommendations of the manufacturer. There is a 5 minute pause between reuses.

The most popular brands of primers for aluminum

Hand sanding or grinders are used when sanding to solve problems with aluminum surfaces. Due to the protection against acidic substances, etching with their help is permissible. The correct choice of composition also plays a role.

Hand sanding or grinders are used when sanding to solve problems with aluminum surfaces.

Primer brand VL-02

Manufactured taking into account all the requirements described in GOST 12707-77. A two-component composition based on thinners. To create the base for this primer, other types of components can be used:

• Acidic additives that dissolve the surface. Usually these are aqueous-alcoholic solutions to which orthophosphoric acid is added;
• Polyvinyl butyral. Formed when butyraldehydes react with polyvinyl alcohol. Guarantees increased adhesion to non-ferrous metals. Resistance to mechanical damage after application is guaranteed;
• High concentration zinc crown. Pigmented substance of a yellow tint, protected from corrosion.

A two-component composition based on thinners.

Body brand primer

A foreign company that has released its own alternative to domestic developments. In the case of non-ferrous metals, a variety marked 969 is used. There is an acid etch primer from the same manufacturer, with its own characteristics and scope of application.

In the case of non-ferrous metals, the variety marked 969 is used.

VL-08

Forms a greenish-yellow protective film. Retains its properties for at least 6 months and requires a minimum of two layers of application. Forms a semi-matte glaze coating and is an elastic type of protection.

Retains its properties for at least 6 months and requires a minimum of two layers of application.

GF 031

Glypthal paint and varnish material. Designed to protect structures that are also operated at elevated temperatures. The main thing is to thoroughly mix the composition until a homogeneous mixture is formed. A brush or pneumatic method is best for spreading over the surface.

Designed to protect structures that are also operated at elevated temperatures.

Zinc-based whitewash

An absolutely white product with a slight bluish tint, if we talk about its original appearance. Absolutely devoid of any odors. Protected from the effects of harmful microorganisms and bacteria, does not collapse if they are present.

They have the following positive properties:

• Weather resistance;
• Compatible with different types of paints;
• Easy application;
• Sun color protection;
• Low toxicity.

Protected from the effects of harmful microorganisms and bacteria, does not collapse if they are present.

EP-51

Enamel intended for painting primed products made of metal, which includes aluminum. The suspension must be thoroughly mixed before application until the sediment is completely eliminated. In this case, the surface to be treated must be dry and smooth, free from serious contamination. Then painting everything will be easy.

The surface to be treated must be dry and level, free from serious contamination.

Rating of the best brands

When choosing which primer to buy for a car, you should familiarize yourself with the following product brands:

1. DUR 1:1. The reactive solution provides a durable film with improved adhesive properties. The advantage of the composition is the absence of chromates and the presence of a special reaction catalyst in the kit.
2. Body 960 Wash primer. Suitable for different surfaces and consists of 2 components. During application it is mixed with hardener.
3. Mobinel. A one-component product with high anti-corrosion characteristics. Suitable for stainless steel, galvanized and aluminum.

Features of priming old aluminum coatings

The need to clean the top layer is the main question that in this case arises before starting work. If there is no peeling, such actions are not required. Or when the quality and characteristics of the old material completely correspond to the new one.

In other circumstances, organic removers are used to get rid of old bases. The removal technology is selected in accordance with the strength of aluminum. After applying the remover, the metal is covered with polyethylene for half an hour. Wrapping in a rag with a remover is sufficient for small parts. Wooden or plastic scrapers are used to remove softened paint.

The removal technology is selected in accordance with the strength of aluminum.

Which manufacturer to choose

On the market for this type of material you can find a bunch of brands. To avoid getting a low-quality product, pay attention to the following brands:

• HB BODY – Greece.
• ASTROHIM – Russia.
• MOBIHEL – Slovenia.
• HI-GEAR - America.
• TEX – Russia.
• TIKKURILA – Finland.
• HAMMERITE – Germany.

Primer application process

When applying paint, it is important to clean the surface to be treated beforehand until it shines. For this, sandpaper is often used. Then the materials are degreased, and glue is applied at the next stage.

Shake the containers with primer well, and when applying, maintain a distance of 25 cm from the surface. The use of two-component primers for aluminum requires slightly different instructions:

• Cleaning before applying protective coating;
• Mixing the product in a separate container;
• Take a spray bottle or spray bottle to make mixing more convenient;
• Two-layer application.

Paint and varnish coatings save aluminum products from premature aging and the appearance of defects.

Shake the canisters with primer well and maintain a distance of 25 cm from the surface when applying.

Is it possible to prime at home and how to do it?

Anodizing is used at home, but more often the technology is replaced with something else. If it is present, the service life increases. But organizing the process on your own causes a lot of inconvenience. It is better to choose simple aerosols. Work is carried out in personal protective equipment, with ventilation in the room.

It is better to choose simple aerosols.

Problems

Actually, the only problem with the complex relationship between aluminum and paint and varnish coatings is the smooth surface of factory products made from this metal. It is clear that the more complex the surface structure, the rougher it is, the larger the contact area with the coating and the correspondingly greater the tear strength of the joint per square centimeter of surface.

The problem can be solved in one of two ways:

1. Rough grinding - mechanical or done by hand.
2. Acid etching, fortunately aluminum is not resistant to aggressive environments.

Let us clarify: the problem of low adhesion to paint and varnish coatings concerns not only aluminum. For example, painting polished stainless steel is even more difficult: machining is hampered by its strength, and etching is hampered by its resistance to acids.

What determines the quality of work?

The surface is treated without oil, dirty marks or deposits. This must be taken care of before work begins. The procedure itself does not include many steps. The following procedure can be used not only at home, but also in production, in workshops:

1. Acid pickling, degreasing. Required for complete removal of the oxide film.
2. Conversion layer. Improves adhesion between paint and processing materials.
3. Removing the surface from salt residues. The main thing is to choose high quality water.
4. At the fourth stage, drying is carried out.

Acetone or other types of similar solvents can be used when the job is being done at home. Next, an aerosol is applied, which takes up to 24 hours to dry.

Acetone or other types of similar solvents can be used when the job is being done at home.

Any surface requires quality materials that best match the base. The smooth aluminum structure can become a serious problem if nothing is done. A special primer will increase adhesion and ensure the preservation of the original characteristics for the maximum period of time. You should not save; it is recommended to give preference to manufacturers who have received all possible certificates.

The main stages of painting alloy car wheels with your own hands: technologies and their implementation

The painting technology implies the need to remove the tire; this is the most effective way to qualitatively paint a cast wheel in any color. Some amateurs do not want to waste time on dismantling and immediately paint the parts. In the installed state it is impossible to paint the surface of the material well. If the slightest disc area is not painted over, destruction will begin from that place. When deciding to reduce the time, you need to separate the steel or aluminum wheel from the tire using paper and tape.

Choosing paint based on the primer used

Primer for aluminum wheels
Paint and primer are components that must be selected based on each other. But if we think that the paint is applied after the primer, then we choose paintwork materials depending on the primer used. The list of primers for aluminum is very long and here are some of them:

• VL-02 and VL-08
• GF-031
• Zinc white
• EP-51 – white epoxy paint

When choosing paint, you should also focus on the manufacturer’s price. There are a lot of cheap mixtures, but many do not take risks and use only high-quality materials. For myself, I have identified several brands that have long proven themselves only on the good side. This is Tikkurila, HEMPEL, Dyukson. Always look at the palettes and read reviews about paintwork materials. In my own experience, I have already verified that white mixtures fade much faster than the discoloration of colored paints. And this is all despite the manufacturers’ stated properties of protection against ultraviolet rays.

Results

Primer for trunk lid
For any surface, it is very important to use high-quality and most suitable materials. However, for aluminum this is extremely important due to its smooth structure, which cannot ensure good adhesion. That is why use a special primer, which will serve as an excellent basis for paintwork.

Give preference to certified materials and do not buy cheap, untested soils. For ease of application, you can use aerosols, which, although a little more expensive, are still more convenient to use with your own hands. Only good soil will be the basis for the long service life of an aluminum product.

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