for painting. going to paint my dash facia black

Depends what type of paint you are planning to use. POR will go straight on aluminium as long as it is properly prepped.

Generally speaking after normal cleaning procedures alloy requires an etch primer to ensure good adhesion. You can then use any top coat you like as long as it is compatible with the primer.

Use a random orbital or half sheet sander with about 120 grit paper and sand out all the scratches and gouges and leave a scuffed surface and anything will stick to it.I have been painting it for years using spray cans or high pressure guns and give it a light first coat and allow to go tacky then hit it hard like painting anything else.

thanks T3 and nb. i was going to sand out all the scratches i just don't want the shiny instrument panel look. going to paint it black.
cheers

wacked1.

Have you painted it yet?

I'd recommend using an etch primer to start with (after you've buffed it up). It sticks unbelievably well, so will help the top coats stay stuck.

Cheers
Jeremy

Okay, this might sound funny, but use vinigar. The reason is it's a mild acid, whick etches the surface. Make sure the area is free from grease etc and apply the (white) vinigar, leave for about 1/2 hr but don't let it dry or it will leave a film on the metal. Then clean down the area with soapy water and then water, dry the area and paint a couple of hours later.

This way you won't have scratches etc. I garantee this will work.

I use to be an Industrial Engineering Surface Finnisher, Chert 4.

Hope this helps.

Hi

Have you thought of covering it with contact, you CF look alike stuff. I always wash stuff down with turps and then use White Knight spray cans.

Steve

Jeza i haven't painted it yet i'm waiting for the autometer spedo
Bone Collector thanks for the info might try it
and steve i was thinking that but want skulls and cross bones not CF

cheers all
wacked1

Hi

I bought my carbon fibre look a like from a sign writing supply place, they had some wild designs.

Steve.

I was considering what to do with my dash. It white. How boring. Was thinking of:

(1) sanding back to bare metal, polishing it with a buff wheel and putting a coat of clear over.

or

(2) Black onyx with a small metal fleck in a clear coat ovet the top.

Thoughts / advice?

Bronze..

black with a similar colour to whats on the outside over the top thinned out with clear so its only a shade ofer the top, maybe a bit of pearl hehe very pretty for a pretty baja