Paint from Aluminium

By: I Kadek Ariadi Saputra

Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust, and third most
element after oxygen and silicon. Aluminum is found at the crust as much as
approximately 8.07% to 8.23% of all solid mass from the earth's crust, with world
annual production of around 30 million tons per year in the form of bauxite and other
rocks such as corrundum, gibbsite, boehmite, diaspore, and others. It's hard to find
pure aluminum in nature because aluminum is a fairly reactive metal. Aluminum has
become a widely used metal after steel. This development is based on its properties
that are lightweight, corrosion resistant, good strength and ductility (aluminum alloy),
easy to produce and quite economical (recycled aluminum). The most famous is the
use of aluminum as an aircraft maker, which take advantage of the light and strong
nature.
Very thorough surface preparation of Aluminium is essential if the coating
scheme applied is to perform well. Aluminium, although when used in the marine
industry is alloyed with magnesium, is a reactive metal, whose surface will react with
atmospheric oxygen to form an almost invisible oxide layer. This occurs almost
instantly on cutting or abrading and in damp marine environments a portion of the
oxide will, in the passage of time, convert to the lighter and more visible hydroxide.
Furthermore, aluminium is prone to corrosion in a marine environment, particularly
in confined spaces such as crevices and behind poorly adherent paint films.
Therefore good surface protection is of paramount importance. Aluminium can suffer
serious galvanic corrosion unless care is taken in the choice of underwater fittings,
propellers etc. In this respect, the use of cuprous oxide or metallic flake containing
antifouling should be avoided. Reference should be made to the section on
Antifouling application.
Aluminum is widely used in the modern world. Have appearance silvery white
and displays many unusual traits. Aluminum has wide applications in different
domains, such as transportation, home decoration and accessories, buildings and
construction, etc. No other metal can be used in many ways such as aluminum.
Aluminum is also a good heat and electric conductor. If compared to its mass,
aluminum has advantages compared to copper, which is currently a conductor metal
heat and electricity are quite good, but quite heavy. 100% pure aluminum does not
contain any elements other than aluminum itself, but pure aluminum sold on the
market does not once containing 100% aluminum, but there are always impurities
contained in it. Impurities that may be inside aluminum pure is usually a gas bubble
inside that enters the process imperfect smelting and cooling / molding, mold material
due to poor print quality, or other impurities due to quality raw materials that are not
good (for example in the aluminum recycling process). Generally, pure aluminum
sold on the market is pure aluminum 99%, for example aluminum foil. Aluminum is
symbolized by Al, with atomic number 13 in the table periodic element. Bauxite,
aluminum raw material has a content aluminum in varying amounts, but generally
above 40% in weight. Aluminum compounds found in bauxite include Al2O3, Al
(OH) 3, γ-AlO (OH), and α-AlO (OH).
Aluminum Weight Aluminum has low density properties, only one third of the
density or density of steel metal. The density of this metal is only 2.7 g / cm3 or if it
is 9 converted to kg / m3 to 2,700 kg / m3. Relatively small density makes it light but
does not reduce its strength at all. Aluminum strength Various aluminum metal alloys
have a tensile strength between 70 up to 700 mega pascals. Very big power. The
nature of this aluminum unique unlike steel. At low temperatures steel will tend to be
brittle but on the contrary with aluminum. At low temperatures the strength will be
increase and at high temperatures decrease. Linear Expansion When compared with
other metals, aluminum has an expansion coefficient relatively large linear.
Conductivity The nature of heat conductivity and aluminum electricity is very good.
Extraordinary again the conductors of aluminum weigh only half of the conductor
made of copper. Reflector Aluminum is a good visible light reflector. The nature of
this aluminum also for heat transmitting. Stainless (Corrosion) Aluminum reacts with
oxygen in the air to form an oxide layer thin, effective for protecting metal bodies
from corrosion. Non Magnetic Aluminum is a nonmagnetic material. Because of this
aluminum is often used as a tool in X-ray devices using a magnet. Non-toxic
Aluminum metal has no toxic properties at all. He is at third place after the most
oxygen and silicon elements in the crust earth. Some aluminum compounds also
naturally form inside the food we consume every day.
Grit Blasting is the preferred method of preparation, as it provides an ideal
profile for good paint adhesion and removes surface corrosion. Ideally aluminium
oxide grit should be used, and a suitable grade chosen to achieve a surface profile of
50-75 microns (2-3 mils). Aluminium oxide abrasives can normally be re-used
without detriment to the surface profile. Other suitable inert abrasives do exist and
advice should from the suppliers of blasting aggregate. Sand is not ideal for grit
blasting as, apart from being injurious to health, it is often not sharp enough to
provide the necessary surface profile. The use of copper slag abrasives (as often used
on steel) must be avoided, as these will promote serious corrosion. Once blasted, all
debris should be completely removed, followed by application of the Initial Primer or
a Holding Primer, ideally within a 6 hour period. As an alternative mechanical
method, aluminium may be prepared by abrasive disk to provide the necessary
surface profile for good paint adhesion. Whilst this is not as effective as grit blasting,
this method has been used successfully by many yards. A coarse abrasive disk
(Aluminium Oxide) should be used (24-36 grit) to achieve a heavily scored surface
profile of 50-75 microns (2-3 mils). After grinding, the surface should be vacuum
cleaned, followed by application of the Initial Primer or a Holding Primer, within a 6-
8 hour period.
Etch or wash primers such as Interprime 539 achieve adhesion by chemical
reaction with the substrate, and may be applied directly to a degreased surface, but for
optimum performance the aluminium should be lightly abraded to offer some
mechanical adhesion. If etch primer is applied to a ground or blasted surface,
accurate control of film thickness is important. Over-application to any surface must
be avoided as this will lead to failure through solvent absorption or splitting of the
primer film. Temperature during application is also important, and a minimum
substrate temperature of 10°C (50°F) must be maintained. Once applied, etch primers
must be over-coated with a suitable primer of correct film thickness within the
recommended over-coating period. They must not be used in potable water tanks.
Very fine aluminum powder looks shiny like the original metal, so it is
often mixed in paint oil (lacquer) to produce metallic paint, the price is relatively
more expensive than ordinary paint. Metallic paints are mostly used in luxury goods,
because with the addition of aluminum, the paint can reflect more light. Aluminum is
the most widely used metal after steel. Aluminum is effective amphoteric and is
easily oxidized. Are basic traits aluminum which can be used in a machine or vehicle:
Light, with a specific weight of 2.7g / cm3. Therefore this metal used as a broad
metal form as an exchange with High speed as in piston connections on bars. Before
any other preparation commences, the aluminium surface must be thoroughly
degreased to remove flushing oils and other surface contamination. Solvent wiping
using clean cloths can effectively degrease small areas, but these must be changed
frequently to avoid re-distributing contaminants. Large areas should be degreased
with a detergent such as Super Cleaner (YMA620) applied undiluted by cloth,
allowed to “work’ for 15-20 minutes before removal with copious quantities of fresh
water. Some areas may require repeated application, and vigorous cloth rubbing to
remove all contamination. Alternatively a solvent may be used such as Degreaser
(ITA080). Once degreased, the surface must not be touched by hand until painted, in
order to avoid grease spots and consequent paint detachment.
Painted aluminum surfaces can oxidize, particularly if moisture manages to
seep in between the paint and the aluminum. Removing the oxidation is nearly
impossible without also removing the paint around it. The best way to remove
oxidation from painted aluminum is to strip the paint, polish the metal, then repaint
the aluminum. This method will restore the integrity of the aluminum and the paint.
Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling chemical fumes. Pour chemical
paint stripper recommended for use on aluminum onto a rag. Use the rag to spread the
stripper onto the surface of the metal. Allow the stripper to sit for about 10 minutes,
and then wipe away the paint. Rinse the aluminum with water and dry with a towel.
Spray the aluminum with oven cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit for about 10 minutes.
Put on rubber gloves. Rub the cleaner into the metal with steel wool. Rinse the metal
with clean water and dry with a towel. Rub some rough-grit polishing compound onto
a buffing cloth. Attach the cloth to a polishing wheel. Polish the surface of the metal
for about 30 seconds per section. Rinse the metal with water and dry with a towel.
Repaint the surface of the metal using spray paint or other paint designed for use on
aluminum.
On unpainted new aluminium the first step to a successful paint finish is the
cleaning and degreasing of the metal. This is best achieved by using NORGLASS
ACETONE or NORCLEAN-PLUS on clean dry rags. With an unused paint brush,
apply a brushed coat of NORGLASS METAL ETCH CLEANER (phosphoric acid
based) over the metal surfaces and allow the acid to react for 15 minutes. Do not
leave METAL ETCH CLEANER more than 15 minutes before removal. Hose off
thoroughly and allow to dry. Force dry areas along welded seams, corners or rivets
with a hot air blower or hair dryer. On large areas, do small sections that can be
treated and washed off within the 15 minute time frame. At this stage all care must be
taken to prevent skin contact with the metal surface, to avoid contamination by body
fats. This occurs by condensation due to the different surface temperatures i.e. warm
skin and cold metal will cause condensation to settle on the surface and reduce
adhesion. An example of this is: Place your hand on a mirror. Warm skin on the cold
glass will leave a print of body oils and condensation behind.
Use the pain from aluminium Pour the SHIPSHAPE HARDENER into the
BASE can (which will give the correct mixing ration of 3:1) and stir thoroughly to
blend both components. Allow to stand for 10 minutes so that the chemical induction
process can begin. If spraying, add 25-33% of NORTHANE SPRAYING
THINNERS to the mixed paint and apply at 50-70 PSI pressure. Allow the applied
paint film 15-20 minutes to tack up and respray with another coat. Additional coats
can be applied in the same manner on the same day. If SHIPSHAPE is to be applied
by brush or roller, thinning is not recommended, but 5% of Norglass Epoxy Thinners
can be added in hot weather. On broad areas, application by a Mohair or Microfibre
roller will give the best results. It is important to understand that all primer and
undercoats are designed to seal and/or fill the surface being coated and therefore, do
not selflevel like finish coats. The density and texture they provide will require
sanding so the smoother the product is applied, the less sanding will be needed later.
Because SHIPSHAPE is constructed with higher resin loadings than other paints,
paint runs are more likely to occur if applied too heavily, so care should be taken. The
higher the resin ratio, the better the adhesion which is the prime function of this
product. Where a brush or roller is used, the coating will require overnight curing and
light sanding before another can be applied. For a superfine finish the last coat of
SHIPSHAPE should be wet and dry sanded using 400 grit paper. The pot life of
mixed SHIPSHAPE is six hours (minimum at 20 oC ). Over coating SHIPSHAPE
with other products must not be considered until 24 hrs have elapsed.