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| How to Paint the Aluminum Frames Around Screen Doors |
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Posted by: aluhm - 01-09-2018, 10:02 AM - Forum: aluminium faq
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Aluminum screen doors, also known as storm doors, typically serve a functional rather than aesthetic purpose. For this reason, you'll often find screen door frames in gray, black and brown. But you can spice up your entryway and add a little flair to the door's functionality with a few cans of spray paint and a lazy weekend.
1
Unscrew the screen door frame using an electric drill. Remove the screws that secure the door's hardware, trim and hinges. Remove the screen door and its trim. Place the door on sawhorses or a large work bench that you don't mind staining with paint. Put the screws in a safe and easy-to-remember place.
2
Scratch away loose rust on the door with a stiff wire brush.
3
Saturate a cleaning rag with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water. Scrub the aluminum frame thoroughly. Rinse it clean with a rag saturated with only water. Buff the door dry.
4
Sand the entire surface of the door frame with 80- to 120-grit sandpaper. Affix the paper to a sanding block and sand in one direction. Sand until the aluminum is dull to promote paint adhesion. Clean up sanding dust with a tack cloth.
5
Dampen a cleaning rag with degreaser. Wipe the entire surface of the aluminum door.
6
Cover the screens or glass of the door frame with newspaper. Secure the newspaper to these areas with painter's tape to avoid overspray.
7
Spray the surface of the aluminum door with self-etching spray primer or primer formulated for clean metal. Hold the nozzle about 8 inches from the door. Keep the can in motion, spraying in slow, even, sweeping strokes to prevent drips. Overlap each new stroke slightly. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8
Apply a coat of metal spray paint to the door just as you did the spray primer. Allow the first coat to dry and apply additional coats as needed. Let paint dry completely according to the manufacturer's directions.
9
Repeat the process for the underside of the door and any matching trim.
10
Remove the painter's tape slowly and dispose of the newspaper. Reattach the door's hardware, trim and hinges with an electric drill.
Things You Will Need - Electric drill
- Sawhorses
- Wire brush
- Mild dish detergent
- Cleaning rags
- Sandpaper
- Sanding block
- Tack cloth
- Degreaser
- Painter's tape
- Newspaper
- Self-etching spray primer
- Metal spray paint
Tip- Substitute mineral spirits or denatured alcohol if a degreaser is not available.
Warnings- Always spray paint in a well-ventilated area. Wear work goggles, gloves, a mask and protective clothing.
- Read and following any warnings or instructions provided by the spray paint's manufacturer.
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| How to Take the Paint Off Old Aluminum Window Frames |
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Posted by: askaluadmin - 01-09-2018, 10:01 AM - Forum: aluminium faq
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When you're repainting your house, it can be all too easy to smear paint on your aluminum window frames, even if you carefully taped off the area. Or perhaps you moved into your house and the previous owners had painted over the frames. You can remove the paint to restore the original beauty of the aluminum and to prevent erosion.
1
Scrape large portions of paint from the aluminum frame with a plastic putty knife, taking care not to scratch or damage the aluminum.
2
Wipe the area clean of debris with a soft, damp rag.
3
Don a respirator and gloves. Apply paint solvent to the remaining paint with a soft rag. Allow the solvent to sit for 30 seconds.
4
Wipe away the paint using a clean, soft rag.
5
Reapply solvent to any remaining paint and allow it to sit. Remove the paint with a clean, soft rag.
Things You Will Need- Plastic putty knife
- Rags
- Respirator
- Gloves
- Paint stripping solvent
- Small paintbrush
Tip- You can use an aluminum sealant or wax to protect it against oxidization, rust or other damage from exposure to the elements
Warnings- Do not use a metal putty knife to scrape the paint. The metal in the knife is heavier than the aluminum and easily scratches or gouges aluminum.
- Only use sandpaper or steel wool to remove paint if you plan to repaint the aluminum. Otherwise, you will get unsightly scratches.
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| How to Repaint an Aluminum Door |
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Posted by: aluhm - 01-09-2018, 10:01 AM - Forum: aluminium faq
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Aluminum is a common material for storm and screen doors, which are installed in front of an exterior door. Aluminum is also used for some bi-fold closet and cabinet doors. Although you can paint aluminum with nearly any paint, exterior-grade spray-paint leaves an even, smooth finish without brushstrokes, and it dries faster and bonds better than latex. Unless you have chosen low- or no-fume spray-paint, work outdoors or in a garage with the main door opened. After painting, the door should look new again.
1
Remove the hinge and pneumatic closer arm screws, if any exist, with a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver and take down the door. A pneumatic closer is a tube-shaped apparatus, usually at the top of a storm or screen door, that closes the door automatically. If the door sits on a track, such as a bi-fold closet door, pull the spring-loaded pegs at the top of the door out of the track and lift the door out of the bottom track. Separate bi-fold doors at the hinges after removing them from the track by removing the hinge screws.
2
Cover the area where you will paint with newspapers or a drop cloth. If you are using saw horses, set them on the newspaper or drop cloth.
3
Lay the door on a flat, horizontal work surface.
4
Clean the door with degreasing cleaner or an ammonia-based cleaner and a rag. An old toothbrush helps clean inside tight areas. Rinse the door by wiping it with a damp sponge, or use a garden hose if you are working outside. Let the door dry completely.
5
Remove the glass or screens, if any exist and if they are removable, by turning the clips or sliding the panel out of its track. If glass or screen is not removable, cover it with newspaper. Trim the newspaper slightly smaller than the glass or screened area with scissors, and tape the newspaper around the perimeter with painter’s tape or masking tape. Tape will stick to most screens.
6
Cover any other parts of the door that you don’t want to paint, such as the handle and weatherstripping, with tape, and trim the edges of the tape with a utility knife. You can remove some of those items if you wish, but it’s simpler to cover them with tape.
7
Put on a pair of protective safety glasses or goggles, a dust mask and chemical-resistant gloves.
8
Sand off any flaked paint with an ultrafine-grit sanding sponge or sandpaper, and wipe off the sanding dust with a rag or sponge.
9
Shake a can of exterior-grade spray-paint to mix the paint.
10
Spray the door lightly, back and forth, overlapping the paint strokes to encourage an even application. Spray the entire door this way. Several light coats of spray paint produce a neater result than fewer thick coats.
11
Let the paint dry, and apply as many more coats as recommended by the paint manufacturer to achieve full coverage.
12
Let the painted door dry for at least 24 hours before turning it over and painting the other side.
Things You Will Need - Screwdriver, Phillips or flat-head
- Newspapers
- Drop cloth
- Degreasing or ammonia-based cleaner
- Rags
- Old toothbrush
- Sponge
- Garden hose (optional)
- Painter’s or masking tape
- Utility knife
- Protective eyewear
- Dust mask
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Sanding sponge or sandpaper, ultrafine grit
- Exterior-grade spray paint
Tips- Work in a shady area. Painting in direct sunlight can heat the metal, causing the paint to bubble and peel off.
- Cleaning glass or screen inserts while they are removed from the door lets you reach the sides, which are usually inaccessible while the panels are installed.
Warning- If the aluminum door is a garage door, don't take it down. Rent or buy a paint sprayer to paint the door instead of using canned spray-paint, which will produce poor results on a large area.
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| How to Paint Aluminum Storm Windows |
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Posted by: aluhm - 01-09-2018, 09:59 AM - Forum: aluminium faq
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The most important step in the process of painting aluminum storm windows is the preparation work. Paint will not adhere to aluminum that is not properly prepared. You must clean the window frames of all dirt and peeling paint, and apply primer before you can paint the windows. Skipping these vital steps could cost you more in the long run. Take the time to do the preparation work to avoid a flaking paint job. Surface preparation is the key to a high-quality paint finish.
1
Clean the aluminum storm window frames well, wiping with dish soap and water. Remove grease and dirt with a semi-abrasive scouring pad. Allow the aluminum storm windows to dry completely.
2
Sand the aluminum storm window frames using a sanding block or 100-grit sandpaper to remove all loose, flaking or peeling paint. Use a small hand broom to sweep off the sanding dust and loose paint chips. Wash the window frames again and then rinse them with clean water. Allow the window frames to dry completely.
3
Cover the glass areas of the aluminum storm windows with masking paper. Secure the paper using masking tape. Cover all areas around the storm windows that you do not want painted.
4
Shake a can of primer for the time recommended by the manufacturer. Apply the primer to the aluminum storm windows in short, sweeping motions. Allow the primer to dry completely. Sand any areas that appear bubbled. Clean the window frames of all sanding dust. Apply a second coat of the primer.
5
Shake a can of metal paint for the time recommended by the manufacturer. Hold the can approximately 1 foot from the aluminum storm windows and apply a light coat of paint to the surface using smooth, sweeping motions. Allow the paint to dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Apply a second coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. You can apply several light coats of paint until you achieve adequate paint coverage.
6
Remove the masking paper and tape from the windows. Clean any over-spray from the windows using a paint scraper.
Things You Will Need - Dish soap
- Semi-abrasive scouring pad
- Sanding block
- 100-grit sandpaper
- Broom
- Masking paper
- Masking tape
- Primer
- Metal paint
- Scraper
Tip- Use a rust-inhibiting metal primer and follow with a rust-inhibiting metal paint to ensure a long-lasting paint finish.
Warnings- Shake the can for the full amount of time recommended by the manufacturer to ensure a successful paint job.
- Paint contains fumes. Wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area
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| How to Repaint Aluminum Clad Windows |
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Posted by: aluhm - 01-09-2018, 09:58 AM - Forum: aluminium faq
- No Replies
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Aluminum-clad windows have a solid wood interior encased in aluminum for durability. The casings have the appearance of wooden trim, but the aluminum covering protects the wood from damage. The paint on aluminum-clad windows is made to last for many years and is often warrantied by the manufacturer. When the paint becomes faded or chipped, or you just want to change the color of the casings, you can paint your aluminum-clad windows.
1
Wipe the casings with a clean cloth dipped in mineral spirits to remove built-up dirt and grime. Clean the windows with mild soap and water. Rinse with water and allow it to dry.
2
Sand the aluminum with 120-grit sandpaper to scuff the surface. Remove dust with a dry cloth.
3
Apply a coat of metal-bonding primer to the aluminum casings with a paintbrush. Allow it to dry completely.
4
Paint the casings with an acrylic latex paint of the desired color. Allow it to dry completely before applying a second coat, if desired.
Things You Will Need - Clean cloth
- Mineral spirits
- Mild soap and water
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Dry cloth
- Metal-bonding primer
- Paintbrush
- Acrylic latex paint
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| How to Cut Thin Aluminum |
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Posted by: askaluadmin - 01-09-2018, 09:56 AM - Forum: aluminium faq
- No Replies
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Auto hobbyists and handypersons sometimes have the need to cut aluminum sheeting, and don't always have the luxury of going to a metalworking shop to take care of it. Thankfully, aluminum is strong, but not as tough as steel, and sheeting is thin to begin with. Cutting thin aluminum should require no more than a few basic tools, and is therefore a task that can be easily tackled either on the spot or from any reasonably well-equipped garage.
1
Set the piece of aluminum on a table or over sawhorses, and position it so the cutting area has open space underneath it. Clamp the aluminum down.
2
Mark the start and stopping point of your cut with a grease pencil, or some similar implement that marks on sheet metal. With the aid of a ruler or yardstick, draw a straight line between the two marks.
3
Apply a handheld rotary tool fitted with a fiberglass reinforced cut-off wheel accessory to the cutting line. Cut down the line using slow, steady and even pressure. Do not overtly force the tool forward using your main strength, and take care to stay within the line.
Things You Will Need
Table or sawhorses
Clamps
Handheld rotary tool with fiberglass reinforced cut-off wheels
Tip
A power cutting tool fitted with a metal cut-off wheel can perform this task just as well as the handheld rotary tool. Avoid using cutting bits instead of cut-off wheels, however, as they become quickly clogged with bits of aluminum.
Warning
Always wear leather work gloves and safety goggles when cutting any metal, but particularly aluminum. Bits of hot aluminum will fly during this procedure.
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| welding aluminum 3003vs 6061 |
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Posted by: toyota1515 - 01-09-2018, 07:32 AM - Forum: aluminium faq
- Replies (2)
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I have probably 10,000 hrs experience with mig welding steel of various alloys, but when it comes to aluminum, beyond what I learned in welding school, I am a rookie! Looking at my metal suppliers catalog, it would appear that 3003 is the basic aluminum for general purpose welding and that 6061 is more of an alloy, heat treatable metal. Does this mean it is difficult to weld? i.e. welding makes it more brittle? It seems like most of the shaped pieces like angle, channel, tubing is 6061, plate tends to be 3003. I need aluminum for repairing stock trailers, truck boxes, basic whatever the customer brings in. I've been thinking maybe the best way is to buy sheets of 3003 and just shear and bend it into whatever shape is needed. Any suggestions?
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| What grade of aluminum diamond plate on the floor of most aluminum car trailers |
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Posted by: toyota1515 - 01-09-2018, 07:25 AM - Forum: aluminium faq
- Replies (1)
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I am working on a design for a 24' aluminum trailer for personal use and want to build it myself in my hobby time. I had assumed the hardness of 6061 tread plate was the go to material but have realized that 3003 is nearly half the price and with all the cost down measures companies are taking these days I am questioning if the cheaper 3003 is the norm ?? Does Anybody know.
I am also considering extruded planking for the floor as an option but not got any pricing as of yet. I realize that the softer 3003 will have to be more carefully braced from underneath to prevent it from getting warpally looking. Does anyone here have insight into trailer building and materials used
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| WHAT ALUMINUM GRADE SHOULD I USE? |
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Posted by: haomeialu - 01-09-2018, 07:18 AM - Forum: aluminium faq
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Aluminum is a common metal used for both industrial and non-industrial applications. In most cases, it can be difficult to choose the correct Aluminum grade for your intended application. If your project does not have any physical or structural demands, and the aesthetics are not important, then almost any Aluminum grade will do the job.
We have compiled a short breakdown of each of the grades’ properties in order to provide you with a brief understanding of their many uses.
Alloy 1100: This grade is commercially pure aluminum. It is soft and ductile and has excellent workability, making it ideal for applications with difficult forming. It can be welded using any method, but it is non heat-treatable. It has an excellent resistance to corrosion and is commonly used in the chemical and food processing industries.
Alloy 2011: High mechanical strength and excellent machining capabilities are the highlights of this grade. It is often called – Free Machining Alloy (FMA), an excellent choice for projects done on automatic lathes. The high-speed machining of this grade will produce fine chips that are easily removed. Alloy 2011 is an excellent choice for production of complex and detailed parts.
Alloy 2014: A copper based alloy with very high strength and excellent machining capabilities. This alloy is commonly used in many aerospace structural applications due to its resistance.
Alloy 2024: One of the most commonly used high strength aluminum alloys. With its combination of high strength and excellent fatigue resistance, it is commonly used where a good strength-to-weight ratio is desired. This grade can be machined to a high finish and it can be formed in the annealed condition with subsequent heat treating, if needed. The corrosion resistance of this grade is relatively low. When this is an issue, 2024 is commonly used in an anodized finish or in clad form (thin surface layer of high purity aluminum) known as Alclad.
Alloy 3003: The most widely used of all aluminum alloys. A commercially pure aluminum with added manganese to increase its strength (20% stronger than the 1100 grade). It has excellent corrosion resistance, and workability. This grade can be deep drawn or spun, welded or brazed.
Alloy 5052: This is the highest strength alloy of the more non heat-treatable grades. Its fatigue strength is higher than most other aluminum grades. Alloy 5052 has a good resistance to marine atmosphere and salt water corrosion, and excellent workability. It can be easily drawn or formed into intricate shapes.
Alloy 6061: The most versatile of the heat-treatable aluminum alloys, while keeping most of the good qualities of aluminum. This grade has a great range of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. It can be fabricated by most of the commonly used techniques and it has good workability in the annealed condition. It is welded by all methods and can be furnace brazed. As a result, it is used in a wide variety of products and applications where appearance and better corrosion resistance with good strength are required. The Tube and Angle shapes in this grade typically have rounded corners.
Alloy 6063: Commonly known as an architectural alloy. It has reasonably high tensile properties, excellent finishing characteristics and a high degree of resistance to corrosion. Most often found in various interior and exterior architectural applications and trim. It is very well suited for anodizing applications. The Tube and Angle shapes in this grade typically have square corners.
Alloy 7075: This is one of the highest strength aluminum alloys available. It has an excellent strength-to weight ratio, and it is ideally used for highly stressed parts. This grade can be formed in the annealed condition and subsequently heat treated, if needed. It can also be spot or flash welded (arc and gas not recommended).
For more specific applications, we have put together a table that will easily let you decide on what Aluminum grade to use for your project.
End Use Potential Aluminum Grades
Aircraft (Structure/Tube) 2014 2024 5052 6061 7075
Architectural 3003 6061 6063
Automotive Parts 2014 2024
Building Products 6061 6063
Boat Building 5052 6061
Chemical Equipment 1100 6061
Cooking Utensils 3003 5052
Drawn and Spun parts 1100 3003
Electrical 6061 6063
Fasteners & Fittings 2024 6061
General Fabrication 1100 3003 5052 6061
Machined Parts 2011 2014
Marine Applications 5052 6061 6063
Piping 6061 6063
Pressure Vessels 3003 5052
Recreation Equipment 6061 6063
Screw Machine Products 2011 2024
Sheet Metal Work 1100 3003 5052 6061
Storage Tanks 3003 6061 6063
Structural Applications 2024 6061 7075
Trucks Frames & Trailers 2024 5052 6061 6063
Want to learn more about Aluminum Grades? Consult our Metal Reference Guide or contact one of our +70 Stores across North America. A Metal Supermarkets Representative will be glad to assist you in choosing the best metal cuts for your project.
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