I've read through many threads about finishing enclosures, but info is all over the map and I was still left with some questions. I really should have just gotten pre-painted boxes from Tayda, but all I have are bare aluminum enclosures. Some of them are more "finished" than others. Some things I've been considering:
- Buffing them to a smoother, shinier aluminum surface as a "finish", not just prep for spray paint (but that too). Wet sanding? A few different grits?
- I'm a print maker, and plan to try a simple screen print on the box top at some point too. I typically use Acrylic inks. I could always screen a layer of clear Acrylic medium on top of the screened artwork, but it would likely still be susceptible to scratching. Since they aren't enamel-based I'll need to put a clear coat on top - the recs are all over the place, some saying that auto sprays are the way to go. What kind of clear coat is best?
- I have some random spray paints that were given to me. This is one I considered using to coat some in black: https://www.montanacolors.com/en/productos/graffiti-fine-arts-hardcore-paint-aerosol/. A few others are Montana's "94" series: https://www.montanacolors.com/en/productos/mtn-94-aerosol-spray-paint/. Seems like these are usable? I take it I should wet-sand bare enclosures before applying paint, but would I need primer? I'd finish them with a clear coat, and again, hopefully someone has a good all-around rec for that!
- Hammertone Paint. I like the look, and many say it's easy to use (possibly no sanding/primer?). This is likely how I'd finish most of these enclosures, and I'd love a specific brand recommendation (Rust Oleum?), and any pointers if you've done this.
- I don't have a booth for any spraying, so it would be outside. Chicago varies a LOT temp-wise. With any of these sprays (clear coat, paint, hammertone) I feel like there must be off-label temp/humidity considerations for a better outcome on aluminum. Same thing for overall technique (mist coats/waiting periods/proximity/etc) - what worked best for you?
I'd really appreciate any input, thanks all!!
- Buffing them to a smoother, shinier aluminum surface as a "finish", not just prep for spray paint (but that too). Wet sanding? A few different grits?
- I'm a print maker, and plan to try a simple screen print on the box top at some point too. I typically use Acrylic inks. I could always screen a layer of clear Acrylic medium on top of the screened artwork, but it would likely still be susceptible to scratching. Since they aren't enamel-based I'll need to put a clear coat on top - the recs are all over the place, some saying that auto sprays are the way to go. What kind of clear coat is best?
- I have some random spray paints that were given to me. This is one I considered using to coat some in black: https://www.montanacolors.com/en/productos/graffiti-fine-arts-hardcore-paint-aerosol/. A few others are Montana's "94" series: https://www.montanacolors.com/en/productos/mtn-94-aerosol-spray-paint/. Seems like these are usable? I take it I should wet-sand bare enclosures before applying paint, but would I need primer? I'd finish them with a clear coat, and again, hopefully someone has a good all-around rec for that!
- Hammertone Paint. I like the look, and many say it's easy to use (possibly no sanding/primer?). This is likely how I'd finish most of these enclosures, and I'd love a specific brand recommendation (Rust Oleum?), and any pointers if you've done this.
- I don't have a booth for any spraying, so it would be outside. Chicago varies a LOT temp-wise. With any of these sprays (clear coat, paint, hammertone) I feel like there must be off-label temp/humidity considerations for a better outcome on aluminum. Same thing for overall technique (mist coats/waiting periods/proximity/etc) - what worked best for you?
I'd really appreciate any input, thanks all!!