Easiest Way Of Painting The Aluminum Awnings
Awnings are usually used for protection over windows as well as on outside doors. Because they are used outside and are exposed to all the weather conditions, they occasionally have to be repainted. Painting aluminum awning is an easy task but only after its surface has been prepared properly. The easy steps for painting aluminum awnings are as follows:
- Stepladder: The first step is to place up a stepladder right near the awning. It is important to make sure that the ladder is fully open and stable as well.
- Pressure Washer: To remove any built-up dirt and debris from the surface of the awning, use a pressure washer. If there is any mildew than kill them by applying a mildew retardant onto the awning, using a rag. After that rinse the awning with the help of a pressure washer and then allow it to dry completely before heading to the next step.
- Paint Scraper: Now take a paint scraper and slide it all across the surface of the awning until it will become free of all loose paint as well as stubborn debris if there is any. Remove any of the remaining small paint chips using a wire brush. In order to make the process easy move the wire brush in the direction of the awning seams. Sand down the gloss off the awning paint with the help of 400-grit sandpaper. Wipe down the sanding dust with a damp rag.
- Plastic Sheeting: Place plastic sheeting on all the areas of surrounding the awning. Secure down the plastic sheet with the help of a painter's tape. It is important to make sure that the plastic protects all areas that are not going to be painted.
- Self-etching Primer: After the above step is done then spray all the exposed areas of an aluminum awning with the self-etching primer while spraying keep the nozzle 6 to 8 inches away from the surface of the awning. Leave the primer to dry completely.
- Exposed Galvanized Awning: The exposed galvanized awning needs to be wiped down with a white vinegar-dampened rag. This will help to remove any manufacturing oils as well as the zinc residue from the metal's surface.
- Spray Paint: Once the primer is completely dry than hold down the tip of spray paint can about 8 to 10 inches away from the awning's surface. Spray a thin layer of paint to the surface, while constantly moving the can in the multiple directions. It is fine if some of the previous paint color show right through the applied paint. Leave the paint to dry then apply the additional two to three thin coats of paint to the awning. The paint should be completely dry between coats.