Well a telescope is generally subjected to relatively wide temperature and humidity variations so it sounds like I should experiment with your approach. Did you do any mechanical processing to the aluminum tube e.g. sanding etc? Carey Fisher Chief Technical Officer New Communications Solutions, LLC 678-999-3956 careyfisher@ncsradio.com On Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 11:49 PM, Sean Breheny wrote: > I don't know if this is at all helpful since it is from a hobby > perspective, but I have successfully painted aluminum using Rustoleum > enamel spray paint - first the primer, then the color. I used a > gloss-finish color coat. I painted the tube of my telescope that way > back in 1993 and it still looks very good, no flecks coming off, etc. > > Sean > > > On Mon, Jun 13, 2011 at 11:33 PM, Carey Fisher > wrote: > > Does anyone know of a good reference to (wet, not powder) painting > aluminum > > (typically 6061 T651). Our normal vendors do a good job on quantity > parts > > but when we need a one-off panel painted, the cost is unacceptable. > > > > I know you either have to do a chromate conversion coating (e.g. Iridit= e) > or > > some sort of chemical etching to get a decent paint job on aluminum. > But, > > I'm not going to set up an Iridite line so I'm looking for a reasonably > > simple but effective process that can be performed in a homemade paint > booth > > (big cardboard box) with readily available materials e.g. solvents, > etching > > primers, proper type of paint, etc. > > > > Thanks for any leads! > > Carey Fisher > > Chief Technical Officer > > New Communications Solutions, LLC > > 678-999-3956 > > careyfisher@ncsradio.com > > -- > > http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > > View/change your membership options at > > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist > > > > -- > http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > View/change your membership options at > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist > --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .