How to Prepare Anodized Aluminum for Painting

Many aluminum products are anodized at the factory. Anodizing is a special coating process designed to protect aluminum from oxidizing. Aluminum windows are often anodized in order to combat the detrimental effects of the outside environment. Older anodized aluminum windows have the potential to corrode and discolor. Because anodizing aluminum is a complicated process that requires special equipment and chemicals, repainting them is usually the only viable option. People who wish to paint their exterior aluminum windows will need to adequately prepare them in order to promote proper paint adhesion.

#1 grade steel wool
Denatured alcohol
Clean rags

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any oxidation and dirt from the aluminum surface using #1 grade steel wool. Perform the oxidation removal and painting on a cool, dry day. Be careful not to damage the surfaces of the window glass or exterior wall covering such as vinyl siding when using the steel wool.
- 2
  Wipe off the windows thoroughly with a clean rag and denatured alcohol. Do not use mineral spirits or any other cleaners that will leave a chemical film on the aluminum. Chemicals that leave residue on aluminum will make it difficult for the paint to stick.
- 3
  Paint or prime the aluminum shortly after you have thoroughly removed the oxidation and cleaned the area with denatured alcohol. Be sure to use a quality exterior paint so the finish will last a long time.

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