Ally coating?

[Bsmith]

My garage outside light casing is made of some sort of ally, dunno what. Over the years it has corroded and the corrosion is lifting and cracking the paint coating, leaving behind a white furry surface. I can easily clean it back to sound metal with a wire brush on the angle grinder but was wondering if someone knew the most suitable paint for me to finish it with? I don't mind what colour it ends up being

 

[Porschemaniac]

Ideally, you should use a Scothbrite (or similar) to remove corrosion from alloy. The theory is that, with a wire brush, minute particles of steel from the bristles can end up embedded in the alloy - resulting in further corrosion down the line.

Once you have it back to a good clean surface, it just needs a good quality etch primer, followed by a top coat.

One thing to consider is that, being a light, it probably gets quite hot - so it's worth checking that the paints you are using are good for the anticipated temperature.

 

[brightspark]

My garage outside light casing is made of some sort of ally, dunno what. Over the years it has corroded and the corrosion is lifting and cracking the paint coating, leaving behind a white furry surface. I can easily clean it back to sound metal with a wire brush on the angle grinder but was wondering if someone knew the most suitable paint for me to finish it with? I don't mind what colour it ends up being

must be hard times lol new ones next to nothing in price if its a halogen fitting it will get rehot spray with smooth hamerite turn on and it will self stove enamel

 

[Shox Dr]

The biggest problem you will have is getting rid of ALL the corrosion and water that Alloy seems to draw deep into itself. If you are hell bent on keeping it, and doing the job once I would be inclined to clean the worst off, then a quick soak in Caustic Soda, and good rinse, and then a long bake 80-90c in the oven, to make sure all the moisture is out of it. Then Spray it with Self Etching Primmer then your choice of top coat.

Just bear in mind the Self Etch will set you back 6-10quid

 

[Bsmith]

Ahhh lol sorry, I should have said before. Its quite an expensive twin flourescent tube unit, with a coating to withstand all weather elements? Hmm. It dos'nt get hot. So, scotchbright/caustic soda, self etch primer then top coat of gloss is the way to go. Can't bake Shox Dr as its got too many electric components inside for my little brain to disconnect and reassemble. Appologies again for my vauge description. Thanks for the replies, much help given, Brian (",).

 

[Shox Dr]

I see. As for taking the wiring out, it's not that hard, take plenty of pictures, it will go back together no problem

 

[Bsmith]

No end of probs Shox Dr, I'm waiting for a cable to come for my camera from China, suppose the light can wait till then tho. Great idea, Thanks again.