TIL I was using the wrong primer for aluminum panels

I finally switched to an etch primer after my last repair on a Chevy Silverado hood started peeling within 3 months. Saw a guy on the NAPA forums explain how aluminum needs a chemical bond not just a mechanical one. Tried the etch primer on a fender and it stuck like crazy even after a pressure wash test. Anybody else had adhesion issues with aluminum and found a better solution?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_miles1mo ago

Stuck like crazy even after a pressure wash test" - man, I wish that was what happened with my first attempt. I tried to paint an aluminum boat trailer with regular automotive primer and it looked great for about two weeks. Then I hit it with a pressure washer and the whole thing came off in sheets like a snakeskin costume. Felt like a real genius standing there holding the sprayer. Etch primer is the only way to go for sure, I've been using the SEM self-etching stuff and it holds up way better than anything else I've tried.

taylor.hayden1mo ago

Wait, you pressure washed it and it came off in sheets? That's wild, I can't believe it peeled off that clean! I've had paint chip and flake before but never like a snakeskin shedding off like that. That must have been so frustrating standing there watching all your hard work just slide off. I'm definitely taking your advice on the SEM stuff, I've been using the Rust-Oleum self-etching primer and it's been okay but hearing your story makes me want to switch.

craig.john1mo ago

Ugh watching it slide off like that must've sucked. I feel your pain man.