Painting outdoor lights

searchlight123

I have some ageing black outdoor wall lights and a matching lampost on my patio. They are cast aluminium and the black painted finish is flaking off.

What would be the best paint to give these fittings a new lease of life? I was thinking of a hammerite paint but not sure if I need some kind of undercoat as well?

Other than scraping off any loose flakes of paint is any other prep required?

Many thanks.

Lorian

Presumably they get hot?

searchlight123

no not really. they have low energy or LED lamps in them so heat is not an issue (apart from the odd day of being in direct sunshine, very rare)!!

adandem

I would use hammerite too, just clean thoroughly and sand any flakes. I've used it on hanging basket brackets.

coffeehound

It looks like Hammerite make one that's suited to aluminium

Hammerite Direct to Galvanised Metal Paint is specially formulated for application straight onto non-rusting metal, such as galvanised steel, aluminum, copper and brass, as a primer and topcoat in one.

http://www.hammerite.co.uk/product/direct-to-galvanised-metal-paint/

27cool

I used Hammerite paint on an inspection cover in the garden about 20 years ago. The paint is still there. Except where it has been worn away by foot traffic. Excellent stuff. No undercoat used, just painted straight onto the bare galvanised surface.

EssexExile

Aluminium is notoriously difficult to get paint to stick to. Use an appropriate primer.

vansboy

http://www.screwfix.com/c/decorating/metal-paints/cat850178?cm_sp=managedredirect-_-decorating-_-metalpaint

Depending how much paint you'll need, Screwfix own brand 'Hammerite' is cheaper and would be just as good, for your job.

One thing, though. If you were thinkinging of doing the job now, the paint will be harder and more 'sticky' to apply, than when weather is warmer.

VB

searchlight123

many thanks for the replies guys.
the hammerite direct to galvanised looks to be the way to go.
i will wait till it warms up a bit though to get a better finish.