How to Repair Oxidized, Damaged & Painted Aluminum

Clean

• 1

  Put on eye protection and rubber gloves.

• 2

  Scrub the surface of all dirt, debris and oxidization. Mix together any regular detergent or TSP with hot water in a large bucket. Add bleach to the mixture, if mold and mildew are present. Use a long-handled scrub brush to clean away all surface grime. Scrub from the bottom up to avoid dirty water drips that can etch the surface.

• 3

  Rinse each section with a garden hose before starting the next to prevent dirt from drying on the aluminum surface.

Repair

• 4

  Slowly drill a small hole into the center of dented aluminum. Stop the drill before it reaches the home's exterior wall.

• 5

  Insert a sheet metal screw into the hole and turn it slightly clockwise until it tightens into the hole. Do not over-tighten.

• 6

  Grip the head of the sheet metal screw with the pliers and pull gently until the dent pops up. Unscrew the sheet metal screw from the dent.

• 7

  Patch the hole with auto-body filler. Place a small amount on the hole with a putty knife and smooth off the excess.

• 8

  Sand the repaired area until smooth after the auto-body filler dries for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

• 9

  Sand off any rusted areas of the aluminum down to the bare metal.

Replace Small Areas of Siding

• 10

  Put on work gloves. Using tin snips to cut a piece of siding 3 to 4 inches larger than the damaged area. Cut from an inconspicuous area such as near the bottom on the side of the building. Alternatively, check to see if your installer left any extra panels.

• 11

  Cut away the damaged aluminum with a utility knife.

• 12

  Replace the damaged aluminum with the newly cut piece. Butter the back of the piece with polyurethane caulk and slide it into place. Allow it to dry for the time recommended by the caulk manufacturer.

Paint

• 13

  Wait until the aluminum is completely dry before priming.

• 14

  Apply a high-quality, oil-based, rust-inhibiting metal primer and allow to dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer.

• 15

  Paint the aluminum with a high-quality acrylic latex exterior paint. Allow the first coat to completely dry before applying a second coat.